SMS Jaguars: Weekly Updates
Universal Remote Learning/F2F: December
The Jaguar E-Gift Giving Tree! Select an item and drop it off at the school; today is the final day!
The Jaguar E-Gift Giving Tree is ready for a few gifts! Please see the gift wish list below and spread joy during the holiday season. All gifts are due to our counselors on Thursday, December 17. Thank you for caring during the holiday season!
1. Select your gift(s) of choice; purchase your gifts
2. Contact the school to advise of a gift drop-off; our front office will notify our counselors. One of our dynamic counselors will meet and greet you at the door. (470) 254-6500
3. Thank you for caring and sharing during the holiday season! All gifts will be shared with selected scholars on Friday, December 18.
- A Bubble Winter Coat, Size Medium, Girls
- Winter Coats, all sizes (teens Small-Large)
- Girls Clothes (Juniors; size 7-8; shirts size M)
- Boys clothes (size 14, 16)
- Boys tennis shoes (size 7.5, 8)
- Boys tennis shoes (size 5.5, 6)
- Winter Coat (Boys: Size Medium; Color-Red)
- For Fun; after all it's Christmas: Game Stop Gift Cards, Life savers-the candy, Twix-the candy, Jolly Ranchers-the candy, basketball items, football items, Five and Below gift cards
With Appreciation,
The Sandtown Family!
12/7-12/11: Remember to order your Winter Break-Meal Kit (FREE)
Hello Parents,
Extra meals are available: Please be sure to order your meal kit by clicking on the link above. If you like an EXTRA meal kit, click on the link below. Extra food for our scholars during the holidays is an awesome opportunity to save money and ensure our scholars eat well during the break!
11/30 and 12/01: Remote Learning Days
Will you student be remote or face-to-face in January? The survey option has concluded. Please contact the school for more information.
Face-to-Face instruction, with the option for Remote Learning, would continue through the holiday break and during second semester. Similar to the process followed in first semester, parents are being asked through a commitment survey to decide which model they want for their child(ren). Parents must declare their decision by December 11 or their child(ren)’s placement will default to the learning environment they were in as of December 14. The decision will remain in effect for the first nine weeks of second semester so that schools and teachers can allocate resources and plan accordingly.
Parents who are curious about the way teachers work with both Face-to-Face and Remote Learning students are encouraged to watch the following video on simultaneous instruction. The video showcases FCS teachers who demonstrate how the model works and explains the way schools are successfully adapting to students’ needs both in-person and virtually. Two versions have been produced – an abbreviated version and an extended one.
You will need to complete the survey once for each of your students at FCS.
Important Meetings This Month: Review the SMORE for the access links!
- Math/Science Presentation-Title I: Tuesday, December 15 @ 5:30 p.m.
Click the hyperlinks above to join the meetings. Flyers are also located with access links within the SMORE.
12/7-12/11: Thank you for a great School Inclusion Week-Include ME!
Now more than ever is the time to celebrate our inclusivity and similarities. We hope you will all join us as we recognize the great work that is happening in our District.
“Inclusion is not a strategy to help people fit into the systems and structures which exist in our societies; it is about transforming those systems and structures to make it better for everyone. Inclusion is about creating a better world for everyone.”
-Diane Richler, Past President, Inclusion International
Regards,
Blake McGaha
Executive Director-Exceptional Children
Be sure to post your Inclusion Week photos on Twitter all week long using #includeme2020
and to @FCS_SEC. The school that tweets the best photo earns a surprise!
Ms. Kimesha White, Instructional Support Teacher
Mr. Blair Schmalian, Special Education Teacher
Blair Schmalian (“Mr. Blair”)
ED.S. Curriculum & Instruction—Lincoln Memorial University
M.S. Counseling—Texas A &M University Commerce, Texas
M.ED. Special Education—Texas A & M University Commerce, Texas
BSW Social Work—Texas A &M University Commerce, Texas
Mr. Blair began his career as an U.S. Army Nurse deployed for Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990. He then spent 10 years as a social worker at a VA hospital in Bonham, Texas. He began his school career as a social worker and job developer at an inner city charter school (Dallas Can! Academy) in 1997. After pursuing masters degrees in counseling and special education, he went on to teach at this school specializing in helping adjudicated youth get their GED or HS diploma.
In 2006, Mr. Blair moved to Georgia to help raise his 4 grandchildren. Since that time, he has worked in a wide variety of school settings, from self-contained behavior, to talented and gifted. He joined the faculty of Sandtown Middle School in the spring of 2017. His professional goal is to continue to empower students set goals and achieve their full potential. His extracurricular interests include playing soccer, attending a local church, and life-long learning.
As a nurse, a social worker, and now a teacher, Mr. Blair has but one desire—to inspire everyone to live deliberately and with their eyes fixed on their future.
Dr. Renata Pessoa Novak, Ed.D. Bio
I have been working as a public school educator for 15 years. This is my 16th year as a public school educator actually. I love working with research-based programs and interventions. I also enjoy working with community involvement. I am a proud author of a doctoral dissertation, which I published in 2017 on the academic sites: Proquest, Eric, and NSU Works. My dissertation is about Professional Learning Communities in South Florida. The title is: Investigating the Effectiveness of Professional Learning Communities in South Florida Public Schools. Renata Pessoa Novak 2017. This dissertation was part of my graduation requirement for my Doctorate in Education with concentrations in Educational Leadership, and Organizational Leadership.
I served as the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) secretary for one school year in South Florida. I also helped raise funds for the school I worked at, by organizing a community involvement event. I am eager to continue to serve as a leader. I have three degrees, a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from overseas Gama Filho University (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from Barry University (Miami, Florida), and a Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) from Nova South Eastern University (Fort Lauderdale, Florida). I am fluent and literate in 3 languages: English, Portuguese, and Spanish. I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I have been living in the United States since 1995. I am a proud naturalized American Citizen. I have lived in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Seattle, and now Atlanta. It has been a very interesting long journey seeing this beautiful country.
Mr. Irving Walker
I have been working with individuals with intellectual disabilities for 20 years. I attended undergraduate college at the University of Buffalo. My Bachelor’s degree is in Biology and Psychology. I received my master’s degree in Special Education from the College of Notre Dame of Baltimore. My favorite class in college was Cell Biology. I loved that class because it gave me an opportunity to research the effect of various chemotherapeutic agents on cancer cells in a laboratory setting. I took a summer job as a community inclusion counselor working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. I got the opportunity to plan inclusion events, such as trips to MLB games, NBA games, bowling events, Jay Z concerts and many more community events.
Additionally, after graduating from college, I was able to assist individuals with disabilities even further by taking a job as a Residential Habilitation Specialist. In this position I was able to develop functional learning plans which included goals and objectives for functional life goals for each individual. Basically, I took a skill and broke it into parts to make it manageable to teach. For example, brushing teeth, dressing, using utensils and laundry. At this point, I realized that my mission in life was to help individuals with intellectual disabilities. My goal is not to complete tasks for them, but to provide the appropriate support and accommodations, so that they could live their best life as independently as possible.
Ms. Yvette McLeod, Special Education Professional Assistant
I am a native Californian who relocated to Georgia to further my education. As a graduate of Mercer University, I earned the distinct honor of becoming a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and additionally Tau Upsilon Alpha, The National Organization for Human Services Honor Society, Eta Chapter. I hold a BSSS in Education, Middle Grades as well as Human Services with a concentration on Mental Health.
Upon choosing the field of education for my career path, I began working in Cobb County School District where I worked with ESL/ESOL high school students from all over the world. The bulk of my experience in the educational field consists of extensive work history with Fulton County Schools.
Since 2005, I have been privileged to serve throughout the Special Education department in MOID and Interrelated. Also, I have had the opportunity to work as an assistant in Speech and Language Pathology. I have worked alongside various service providers and other educators on all core subjects and grade levels. It is my sincere appreciation to have the opportunity to support and continuously serve the students of Sandtown Middle School.
Dr. Allen Patmon, Special Education-OTD
Dr. Tiffany Weaver, Special Education-Adapted Physical Education
Dr. Tiffany Weaver was born in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. She traveled throughout the world as a child of a military father with the United States Army. Her mother is a registered nurse who is a retired Federal Employee.
After graduating high school from Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, GA, she attended Georgia Southern University and received her BS degree in Kinesiology. In 2001, she moved to the capital of the Peach State and received her Master’s in Sport Health Sciences, Life University, Marietta, GA. She continued her educational journey by earning the following degrees Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA; her Specialist and Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Argosy University, Atlanta, GA; Education Leadership Certification, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA; and Master’s in Public Health Argosy University, Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Weaver has been teaching in Fulton County school system for 15 years in Health, Physical, and Adapted Physical Education. She has held positions as Department Chair of Health & PE and Department Chair of Connections after one year of teaching at Elkins Point Middle School. In 2012, she received the honor of being selected as Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year for Fulton County Schools. She is presently employed as an Adapted PE teacher for Sandtown Middle and College Park Elementary schools. She is also a professor at Kennesaw State University for more than 12 years, where she teaches Fitness for Living and Wellness 1000 classes. During the summer, she continues her love for educating as an instructor for Georgia Virtual and Fulton Virtual Schools.
Dr. Weaver is actively involved in coordinating Special Olympics events for the Fulton County district. She is always willing to offer assistance with helping general PE organize and perform activities in the local school system. She values helping others and working together as a team. The pride and joy of her work is to provide the highest quality education possible for the student she is responsible for educating.
Lydia Fleming, Speech-Language Pathologist
My name is Lydia Fleming, and I am one of your Speech-Language Pathologists here at Sandtown Middle School. I have been a nationally certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for six years. I have a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Armstrong Atlantic State University (now Georgia Southern- Armstrong Campus) and a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Valdosta State University. I also hold a national Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
My hobbies include spending times with family and friends, cooking (certified foodie ) and listening to music. Prior to COVID-19, I enjoyed attending concerts and trying different restaurants.
As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of communication disorders. I have worked in a variety of settings: outpatient rehabilitation, nursing homes, and public schools and with a range of ages, from birth to geriatrics. I desire to make a difference in the lives of all students, especially those with special needs by enhancing their communication skills not matter how severe the deficit because “Everyone deserves a voice.”
Tiffany Adams, Special Education-DHH
My name is Tiffany Adams, and I am your deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) teacher. I have been teaching deaf and hard of hearing students for nine years; six of those years have been devoted to Fulton County Schools. I have a bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education from University of Montevallo, AL, and a master’s degree in Special Education-Learning Disabilities from Capella University.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and fitness.
My current position as an itinerate teacher allows me to travel to different schools throughout South Fulton to ensure students with a hearing loss are getting auditory access to their education and to provide support to parents, students and staff to bridge any learning gaps. Some of the targeted areas are developing listening skills, self-advocacy skills, social-emotional, receptive/expressive skills, and academics.
It is a great honor to work with some amazing students and great staff members.
Janet Cloaninger, Special Education-Teacher of students with visual impairments (TSVI)
My name is Janet Cloaninger, and I am an itinerant teacher of students with visual impairments (TSVI) and a certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS). I teach children ages 3 through 21 who are blind or visually impaired in multiple schools across the southern part of Fulton County.
My career ambitions began when I spent summers between years in college as a counselor at a Lion’s camp for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. At the time, I was well on my way to becoming a speech-language pathologist. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science degree in speech-language pathology, I continued my education by earning a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans. Upon graduation, I returned to my home state of North Carolina and worked as a speech-language pathologist for two years before moving to the United Kingdom where I worked as a speech-language pathologist for the National Health Service. After returning to the US, I moved to Atlanta and worked as a speech-language pathologist for GNETS.
Missing my time working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired, I returned to college to pursue degrees in teaching students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility. After earning dual Master of Arts degrees from Western Michigan University, I began working for public schools in the Atlanta area. This is my thirteenth year working for Fulton County Schools.
In addition to serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired, I have always had a fondness for traveling. I combined both loves and spent three summers in Asia where I worked as a volunteer consultant at several schools for children who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf and blind including Helen Keller Indonesia on the island of Java, and Ceylon School for the Blind in Sri Lanka. Besides my love for traveling, I am an avid home cook.
The BIG 3: School Goals
Literacy
- By the Spring administration of the iReady Diagnostic Assessment for ELA, 70% of Sandtown Middle School scholars in grades 6-8 (who have taken the Fall assessment) will meet or exceed their Spring 2021 projected growth target as measured by the iReady diagnostic assessment for ELA. (September – February)
Numeracy
- 6th Grade 82% of 6th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021; 7th Grade 78% of 7th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021; 8th Grade 82% of 8th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021.
- 96% of 8th Grade Students enrolled in Algebra I will score proficient or higher on the EOC Administration in Spring.
Social and Emotional Wellness
- All teachers (6th-8th) will implement a minimum of 45 minutes weekly, focused, and engaging lessons that incorporate Re-Think Ed comprehensive curriculum of SEL competencies and standards to 100% of Sandtown Middle students during semester one.
Parent and Family Engagement Plan FY21
What is the aim of Title I in Fulton County Schools?
Title I schools receive federal money to provide additional resources to: Support student instruction, Improve teaching strategies, Increase family engagement:
1. FCS-Parent Family Engagement Plan FY 21 (Click to review)
2. Sandtown Middle School's Parent and Family Engagement Plan (Click to review)
3. Sandtown's School Family Compact (Click to review)
The Jaguar Creed!
- School-wide Affirmation
- Does your scholar know the Jaguar Creed and Pledge?
Happy December! Month 5
12/13/2020
We are at the finish line. I know you will push through in the most Jaguar like fashion! This semester has been the most interesting and challenging semester of my educational journey. As parents, I am sure you feel the same way; a very unique school year has fallen upon us; great experiences and new learning has occurred for many. For our new teachers, this year is a year in which they can capture as the first of many. We are so proud of all of our teachers for teaching and learning in an environment that surpasses the most unique times in education. They are all are rock stars! Our entire team is rocking it, and I am so proud of each of our team, and I am equally proud of our scholars. This year is not an easy one. Even when the challenge seems extremely difficult, all of our stakeholders have risen to the occasion. Thank you!
During our final week of teaching and learning before the winter break, I encourage all everyone to find a way to celebrate one another. Seek unique ways to honor your camaraderie; sometimes the monetary value of a gift is not the most unique way, as the thought and memory goes a long way. It is also important that during the pandemic, value is not placed on the gift, as this year has been a challenge for our community.
This year we sought to have a virtual angel tree, but to ensure we did not conflict with our community, we held on the efforts. The counselors, instead, will send a list of needs for our most needy families. All donations may be delivered to the counseling suite; if external stakeholders would like to donate, please contact the front office to arrange a time to drop off your items; visitors are not permitted on-site without an appointment. Stay tuned for the wish list. It's our last efforts to make sure our scholars have during the holidays.
Lastly, please note that our school nutrition department is offering EXTRA meal kits, available at pick up locations. A reservation is required. Parents may reserve an EXTRA meal kit through the following link: https://nutrition.fultonschools.org/FoodStop
One final reminder: Grades, grades, grades! Parents please be mindful of your scholars final grades. It is our goal to ensure our scholars end the first half of the school year with a successful semester completion. Please reach out to your scholar's teacher(s) for support, if needed.
Have a great week,
Principal Miley
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11/30/2020
Happy December!
Welcome Back! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and pleasant thanksgiving break. Whatever traditions or customs your family celebrates, I sincerely hope it was a great time to embrace one another and give thanks, especially during a time of unrest. During this season, I am extremely grateful for all of our parents, families, students and community stakeholders. We are so fortunate to have a school community that continues to brim with support.
During this time, we extend a very special thank you to our stakeholders for your volunteer services. School Governance Council Members, PTA, Young Men of Sandtown Leaders, Girls of Excellence Leaders, elected officials, and our business partners. We do appreciate you! Your acts of kindness are appreciated. We are better because of your generous donations and support.
As we continue into the month of December, please continue to embrace the act of kindness and giving! I besiege each of our Jaguar family members to find a way to give back during the holiday season. We are creating unique ways of giving back to our community and family. We will soon host a Virtual Angel/Giving Tree, I encourage you to support our efforts.
This upcoming Tuesday is Give Back Tuesday. Please join us in giving back. Please send your photos to Principal Miley and provide a brief synopsis of how you are giving back within our community. Please click here to learn more about the National Day of Giving.
A few gentle, but important reminders...….
- Immunizations: Immunization requirements must be met for all scholars enrolled in Fulton County Schools. Please reach out to student services if you need additional support with ensuring completion of the requirements by the due date. Please do not jeopardize your scholar's active enrollment.
- Relationship-They Matter: Relationships do matter very much and in the "Middle", they are very important. Please take a moment to chat with your scholars about friendships, positive social connections and building healthy relationships.
Academic Review: December
The following action items are important to reviewing and assessing your scholar's academic performance and needs during the month of September.
- Summative Assessments/End of Quarter-recovery and make up work will remain a focus for this month.
- Please reach out to schedule a virtual conference with your scholar's teacher or teachers, as needed.
- If your scholar needs assistance, please have your scholar to attend a Virtual Help Session! Help sessions are offered for all scholars. Please reach out to your scholar's teacher for more information.
Additional Support:
- Graduation Coach: Jason Reeves
- Extended Learning Coordinator: Ms. Kenyatta Stacker
- Disproportionality Teacher: Albrina Burger
- Ms. Goodson: 6th Grade (7th Grade: Li-Z)
- Ms. Bataille: 8th Grade (7th Grade: A-Lee)
As always-thank you for all that you do!
Your Partner,
Principal Miley
Thanks to all, please remember: “You are so awesome! You are so amazing! Your scholars need you and you are making a difference in their lives. Keep on teaching, Teachers! Keep on leading, Leaders! Keep on supporting, Support Staff! Keep on parenting, Parents! Everyone-Keep on making the difference.”
No School Days!
- December 21-31; January 1: Winter Break (Schools Closed-BREAK)***
- January 4-5: Teacher Workdays (No School for Students-TEACHER WORKDAY; Student Holiday)
- January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (Schools Closed)***
***FCS Schools and District Offices are closed
Jaguar Quote:
Student Shout-Outs and Special Recognition
Darrell Parham will receive a special token of appreciation and a gift card! Darrell, thank you for inspiring our scholars and uplifting our pledge to be drug free! I am proud of you!
Principal Miley
Your Counselors: Markita Goodson and Chiquita Bataille
The Entire SMS Team
Congratulations to our iReady Superstar Winners for the week: 11/16-11/22.
6th: Michael Barnett
6th: Le'La Pickett
7th: Robert Wilson
7th: Terrelle Lloyd
8th: Eliaz Ellsberry
8th: Bailee Hurst
We are proud of you!
Principal Miley
Mr. Reeves, Graduation Coach
The Entire SMS Team
Congratulations to all of the 9th grade class Foundation of Engineering participants in their perspective category of events.
- Kudos to the Foundation of Engineering Participants (Individual recognition is forthcoming)
A special congratulations to Mya McCall for her winning submission of an original design for her paradise express coffee café!
- Mya McCall: We are so proud of you!
Principal Miley
Ms. Marcia Green, Engineering Teacher
The Entire SMS Team
Parent (Student) COVID-19 Reporting Portal
Click here to report a COVID-19 Report
At this time we are asking that parents/guardians of FCS students submit a COVID-19 Report ONLY if your student fits into one or more of the following categories:
a) Has tested Positive for COVID-19 in the past 15 days
b) Currently waiting for the results of a test for COVID-19
c) Has been in close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) in the past 15 days with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
If your student fits into one or more of the above categories, please begin the form by clicking the "Next" arrow below. Your report will be sent directly to the Fulton County Board of Health.
If your student does not fit into any of the above categories, a COVID-19 report is not required at this time. Please monitor your child's symptoms and follow-up with your healthcare provider or contact the school clinic, if you have any concerns.
Please DO NOT send your child to school if he or she fits into any of the above categories or is otherwise ill or unwell If your student meets any of the above criteria or is ill or unwell, DO NOT send your student to school until you have spoken with your healthcare provider, one of the FCS Student Health Services School Nurses, or a public health official.
11/18: School Governance Council Meeting: @ 4:30 p.m. (TBD-Rescheduled from 10/28)
School Governance Council
Tentative: 11/18/2020
The School Governance Council has a scheduled a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, November 18 @ 4:30 p.m. The agenda will include a public comment time period (5:30 p.m.).
A preview of the agenda is available on our school's website, SMORE and future meetings will be posted on the parent resource board during our on-site sessions.
12/15/2020: Parent and Family Engagement-Title-I Event(12/15 @ 5:30 p.m.)
Parent and Family Engagement: All Families are Invited to Attend!
12/15/2020
Math and Science Parent Workshop - December 15, 2020
Please join us to learn and receive resources to help support your child’s learning experience.
Click here to access the meeting: Math and Science Jingle and Jangle
Face-to-Face: Back to School Information:
Uniforms
Uniforms are highly encouraged, however due to COVID-19 and the associated financial implications, they are not required. Uniforms provide distinctive identification for grade levels and support uniformity throughout our school. We encourage our scholars to adhere to our norm! All of our scholars benefit from Spirit Wear on Friday's!
-We are returning in a Universal Remote Environment; Post-Return we do encourage uniforms
- 8th Grade: Royal Blue
- 7th Grade: Grey
- 6th Grade: Black
Uniform Vendors: Walmart, Old Navy, Brandhouse Ink (School-Based Vendor
*All vendors are independent vendors
*Brandhouse Ink is a school-based business partner and offers our school logo. Orders are independently placed with the vendor.
Car-Rider Information: Only applicable for Face-to-Face (TBD)
All students who are currently assigned a car-rider number will retain their current car rider number for the new school year.
New car riders must have a registration form on file. This year, we kindly request all parents to complete the online form. The process is very simple and will allow for a more effective process. Please complete the car-rider registration form online and someone from our office will email you with your confirmed car-rider tag information within 24-48 hours.
Click here to register for a new car-rider number
Lockers: Parents may pre-pay, as deemed appropriate; lockers are distributed during Face-to-Face/On-Site Learning (TBD)
Lockers are available for purchase, beginning the second week of school. Locker assignments will adhere to social distancing guidelines. Lockers will be spaced out to ensure adherence to social distancing requirements.
Payments for lockers may be submitted via Online School Payment, beginning August 17, 2020. Students will begin receiving their locker assignments within 5 days of the submitted payment. The locker fee for all students is $12 for an annual locker rental. Please list your scholar's first and last name, and grade level when purchasing your locker online.
We highly encourage purchasing a locker shelf to organize items within the lockers for our scholars. The school does not sell the locker shelves, however, they may be purchased from Walmart or Target. See the link for an example: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lockermate-12-inch-Stac-a-shelf-Wire-Locker-Shelf-Pink/605020719
Universal Remote Learning (URL) Reminders: (Successful Tips Below)
- The URL Schedule includes a slight adjustment from the schedule in Infinite Campus; be sure to review the URL Bell Schedule.
- Watch the video on how to log-in to Class Link
- Questions: Email your scholar's teacher using Class Link
- Need a device: Email SMS Device Team
Still need help?
- Contact the URL Hotline
Monday - Friday
Call: 470-254-2300
Semester 2: Bell Schedule
The Bell Schedule is changing! The changes are minor, however, all classes are extended by 5 minutes to increase access to instruction. Transitions will continue to be closely monitored and ensure social distancing and cleanliness measures are in place. URL scholars are impacted, as transition time is now limited to 10 minutes. Please plan for the adjustments.
The new extended 5 minutes for each class will begin on Wednesday, January 06, 2020.
Important School Documents
A single sign-on platform that will allow you to use your FCS username and password to access everything you need. Classlink (Launchpad) delivers instant access to your web resources from all your devices.
Sandtown Middle School: Instructional Lesson Plans
Lesson planning is a significant element of teaching-learning system. A lesson plan is a step-by-step guide that provides a structure for an essential learning. Before planning a lesson, it is essential to classify the learning outcomes for the class. It is important because it helps the teacher in maintaining a standard teaching pattern and does not let the class deviate from the topic. Pre-planning helps the teacher to be better equipped in answering questions asked by the students during the lecture. An effective lesson plan has three basic components; aims and objectives of the course, teaching and learning activities and, assessments to check student understanding of the topic.
Click below to request a copy of the current lesson plans
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
SMS Athletics Department: Complete all required forms
Did you know we have a SMS teacher/staff snack bar?
We can use your support in continuing this tradition and ensuring our snack bar is always 100% refilled. There are three ways to donate snacks or funding to our Teacher/Staff Snack Bar. In advance, we thank you for your support.
- Deliver your snack donation directly to the school. Snacks must be pre-packaged and sealed. Healthy snacks are encouraged, but our teachers do love chips and sweet treats, as well.
- Submit a donation letter earmarking your funding for snacks for the SMS Snack Bar.
- Submit a donation directly to PTA earmarking your funding for snacks for the SMS Snack Bar.
- Join our PTSA: www.sandtownmiddleptsa.com
Thank you for supporting the Sandtown Middle School family!
New to Sandtown: Review Our Annual Open House Presentations
- 6th Grade: Deborah Blackley
- 7th Grade: Victoria Grubbs
- 8th Grade: William Zwingmann
- 6th-8th Curriculum: Tanja Beauford-Vernon
- Special Education: Kimesha White, IST
- Principal: LaToya Miley
6th Grade: Virtual Open House (10:00-11:30 a.m.)
Mr. Charles Love and Ms. Antonia Washington, 6th Grade Department Chairs
7th Grade Virtual Open House (12:00-1:30 p.m.)
Ms. Domonique Davis, 7th Grade Department Chair
8th Grade Virtual Open House (2:00-3:30 p.m.)
Ms. Camille Crowder, 8th Grade Department Chair
6th-8th Grade Connections Open House (3:45 - 4:30 p.m.)
Ms. Kimberly Postell, Connections Support Leader
- Fine Arts: Ms. Sarkino Walker
- CTAE: Ms. Maria Bibbs-Hines
- Health and Physical Education: Mr. Christopher Anderson
https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/3e7bca23-617e-4904-adbe-0db186f07184?list=studio
Special Education: Question and Answer Session (August 19 @ 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
Ms. Kimesha White, Instructional Support Teacher
Community Partners and Local School Flyers
Sandtown Middle School: Nutrition Tidbits
School Meals are safe! The FCS School Nutrition Program’s food safety and sanitation procedures are in place to ensure safe meals are served at all times in all schools within the county. Our department prides itself in the efforts of always putting the customer first. To ensure this, our procedures often far exceed what is required by the Georgia Food Code for food establishments.
- All scholars will receive free lunch and breakfast until December. However, we strongly encourage all families to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. Free & Reduced Meal Applications are available online for the 2020-2021 school year. Families may qualify for free or reduced-price school breakfast & lunch. Households must complete a new Free & Reduced Application every school year. Apply today at www.fulton.schoollunchapp.com.
- Families are strongly encouraged to pay for student meals online at www.mypaymentsplus.com. MyPaymentsPlus offers quick, easy and secure online prepayments, available 24/7. To keep FoodStop sites contactless, cash or checks will not be accepted during meal distribution. Checks can be mailed to: Fulton County School Nutrition; 6201 Powers Ferry Road NW Atlanta, GA 30339
- Snacks may be purchased during lunch; all scholars who wish to purchase a snack must have available funds on their account. Our Cafe' is a cashless operation. Thank you for understanding!
- Students meals will be accounted for using a no-contact cashiering method. Families will need to provide student’s meal account information in the form of Student ID numbers or Student Meal Barcodes. To get started, families should visit https://nutrition.fultonschools.org/BarCode to receive their Student Meal Barcode.
Community Resources: Please review our Community Resources Section
The December 15 application deadline is drawing closer for two new STEM magnet high schools opening in August 2021. Global Impact Academy (GIA) in Fairburn and Innovation Academy (IA) in Alpharetta are recruiting for their inaugural student bodies of ninth and 10 grade students. Both schools have an academic focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with specific course pathways offered in engineering, healthcare and information technology. Students currently in 8th or 9th grade with STEM interests are encouraged to check out the schools to determine if they could be a good educational fit. More information is available at www.fultonschools.org/apply.
Sandtown Middle School: Summer Newsletter
Email: Sandtownprincipal@fultonschools.org
Website: http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/sandtown/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 5400 Campbellton Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: (470) 254-6500
Twitter: @SandtownMS