Titan Talk
September 1, 2017
Nominate A TEACHER for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution TEACHERS AWARDS
By MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th @ 11:59 pm!
Click HERE to Nominate a Teacher!
Students, Parents, and Teachers/Staff CAN nominate a Teacher!
Only 150 words - Quick and Easy!
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates in September...
- 9/4 - NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
- 9/7 - FCA @ 7:45 am (E-109)
- 9/7 - First Thursday Club Day
- 9/7 - Orchestra Fundraiser starts
- 9/8 - Interact Club Ribbon Cutting & Donut Buffet @ 8am (D-119)
- 9/8 - Fall Picture Day
- 9/9 - 6th Grade Band Startup Clinic
- 9/13 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ Crabapple 9:30 am
- 9/13 - "Take Your Parent to School" Day - 6th graders ONLY (first two periods)
- 9/14 - NO SCHOOL - EPMS Full Release Day
- 9/15 - Band/Chorus 8th Grade Night @ MHS Football game
IMPORTANT TESTING DATES
- 9/18 thru 9/22 - ITBS Testing - 8th Grade
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Happy Friday Titans,
Today was College Swag Day at Elkins Pointe! One of the ways that we at Elkins Pointe continue to sprinkle the AVID methodology through our school is with the college pennants lining our hallways and by having Collge Swag Day once a month. When our students wear college shirts representing their favorite GA college, a parent's alma matter or the college of their dreams, we know we are helping to forge pathways to College and Career Readiness. Our teachers join in the fun by wearing shirts from the college they graduated or one of their favorites. Today, I proudly wore the college shirt from my daughter's college...the University of Alabama!
As we enter into September, we would like to keep the momentum going. PTSA is half way to their fundraising goal, and I would ask that if you have not joined PTSA to please consider helping PTSA "Go Beyond the Classroom" by joining and donating. Another super PTSA program is the Reflections Contest. The due date to enter is at the end of September and it is the perfect opportunity for our Titans to express their creativity. PTSA has opened up Mini-grants for our Thursday Clubs, which I am excited to say will begin next week!
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend and we will see you on Tuesday ready to Roll-Tide-Roll into September!
Thank you,
Kindra L. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Home of the Titans!
PTSA is ONLY half way to our goal. Help SUPPORT our Titans!
Celebrate College Swag Day!
REflections COntest
THE REFLECTIONS CONTEST - Entries Due on 9/29
This 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 smart phone or iPad
This year's theme is: "Within Reach"...
and 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 today. 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 here 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. 29th! Questions: Email Veronica O'Brien at Veronica.OBrien@andritz.com
(Below) For more info, watch the 7th graders being interviewed about Reflections!
A Message from Your SGC
A Message from the Elkins Pointe School Governance Council (SGC):
Dear Parents,
Some of you might be feeling like "Tom the Cat" when reviewing our calendar in the coming weeks. No need to blink twice, yes, September 14th is on a THURSDAY and is a FULL release day for the students at Elkins Pointe.
How, Why, What...?
1. How? As an SGC we work as a team of parents, teachers, community representatives and school staff in managing the request for flexibility as permitted under Fulton County Schools. We based the scope of where 2017-18 flexibilities should be applied to on state testing data (2015 and 2016).
2. Why? We want our teachers and staff to have additional time to develop themselves professionally alongside their school peers in order to increase the quality of teaching and learning at Elkins Pointe.
As an SGC team, and under the directives of our school's strategic initiatives, we strongly believe that through professional development, teachers are better equipped to incorporate technology in the classroom, implement personalized learning strategies and maximize differentiation. Our goal is to give teachers the tools to challenge students to grow beyond their current academic level, despite individual starting points and continue to improve overall student performance on the EOG milestones. To build instructional effectiveness within our staff while offering the highest quality academic instruction for all students, our teachers and staff need in-depth professional learning. As with any professional setting, TRAINING is a necessary ongoing investment with positive achievements.
3. What? In the fall of 2016, the SGC applied for seed funds to support (3) professional development days for our teachers and staff. By Spring of 2017, the team discussed, combed and gathered as much input necessary when coming up with these final dates. We took multiple factors into consideration when deciding this year's full release days (pre-planned teacher program meetings, holidays, external calendars, feeder calendars, offsite schedules, etc), resulting in the following approved dates and session details -
- Thursday, September 14 – Professional learning breakout sessions by teachers and for teachers focused on school and district initiatives that drive personalized learning (balanced assessment tools, literacy across the content areas, 365 Microsoft office tools and applications, TAG cohort, blend space, choice and voice, varied strategies, choice in demonstrating learning, AVID strategies, etc.)
- Friday, November 17 - The iSchool Escape Bus professional learning experience (teachers will work in teams through a series of professional development techniques with the added team building element simulated through an escape room challenge)
- Friday, February 9 - “Learning abound” - Teachers and staff will travel to schools in and/or of FC that have similar demographics and goals for student learning. They will spend the day in other buildings talking with other educators around the district and north Fulton about research based strategies that are effective.
*denotes a switch in professional learning agenda
(offsite moved from September 14 to February 9th)
We understand and recognize the challenges in arrangements and the struggles of synchronizing calendars. Please know that our purpose and mission is to foster and champion the very best learning environment for our kids and our teachers. We are a team, TOGETHER we can help all of our students achieve more! :-)!
Please CLICK HERE to visit our web page! Got more "?'s", please do not hesitate in connecting to your parent SGC representatives, we want to hear from you!
Lily Pabian - Pabian@fultonschools.org
Jen Thompson - Thompsonj5@fultonschools.org
Kathleen Carpenter - CarpenterK@fultonschools.org
Things to Know
Fall Picture Day - 9/8
Picture Day is right around the corner on September 8th. Picture forms were distributed in WINN class on Friday, Aug. 25th. Please do not send any forms or money to your WINN teachers. Students who are ordering pictures will bring money with the order form and give them directly to the photographer on September 8th. If you would like to pre-order your portraits online at cadystudios.com/cadykids.
Interact Club - Donut Buffet - 9/8 in Rm# D119
The Interact Club is still seeking members for the 2017-2018 school year. If you have a child that you would love to develop their leadership skills, participate in a service-led club, make new friends while making lasting connections in the community send them to Room D119 to join the Interact Club. There will be several opportunities for each student to participate on a committee and find their voice.If your child is interested in Interact Club, please send an email to streeters1@fultonschools.org with the student's...
- first and last name
- 1st-period teacher,
- parent's name with the phone number best to reach a parent
The “Interest Meeting” was a complete success and we are launching our club with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the front atrium and a donut buffet on September 8th at 8:00 am in D119.
On Sept. 13th, 6th-grade students should bring their parent to school for 1st and 2nd periods. Parents will get to participate in the first two classes of the day so they can be transported right back to 6th grade all over again!
7th Grade Immunization Requirement ASAP - 9/18
Letters were mailed home this week for any students who are not in compliance with the two vaccinations needed to attend 7th grade.
Immunization:
- One dose of Tdap and one dose of Meningococcal conjugate vaccine with the updated Georgia #3231 Immunization Form (form is to be completed by the doctor)
Forms will be due no later than Monday, September 18, 2017, in order for the student to return to class. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Please contact Ellen Walsh in the Counseling Office at WalshE@fultonschools.org or (470) 254-8365 with any questions.
Academic Bowl - Mondays @ 4:05 pm
Have you heard the BUZZ about Academic Bowl? Academic Bowl meets every Monday after school from 4:05 pm to 5:30 pm in the Media Center. If you would like to know more about Academic Bowl, please email Ms. Castleberry at castleberrys@fultonschools.org.“Is Your Child Too Sick for School?”
As a rule of thumb, a child should stay home if he/she has:
- A fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Vomited more than one
- Diarrhea
- A very frequent cough
- Persistent pain (ear, stomach, etc.)
- A widespread rash
Here is a link with more detailed information on when to keep your child home:
Elkins Pointe is looking for a few good Dads to run our Dads Club. If you think you can help be one of our super dads, please email our Guidance Counselor, Mr. Will Jones, at jonesw3@fultonschools.org.
Currently, the Elkins Pointe Jr. Beta Club is in transition. The Chair Dr. Foote' will no longer be the Advisor to Jr. Beta. Thank you to Dr. Foote' for your many years of dedicated service to Jr. Beta. In that time Jr. Beta achieved many awards and accolades for our school. We appreciate you, Dr. Foote' for you service to the community and your leadership to the Jr. Betas at EPMS. When a replacement has been found, we will make an announcement in Titan Talk.
Beyond the Thermometer!
The EPMS PTSA is proud to share that we’ve had 591 members join and have achieved 50% of our $30,000 goal! We are so pleased with our momentum and ask for everyone’s participation to achieve our goal. No amount is too small!
Let’s help Titans to be:
- SMART with "Get Connected Night," NEW Field Experiences, Career Day & Talent Expo
- HAPPY with celebrations and support for staff and students
- CONNECTED by creating a network of members who care, participate and volunteer
Meeting our goal will allow us to meet our budget AND provide capital improvements for our school.
Join & Donate Now through the EPMS PTSA Website!
Get Connected Night
NEW! Brand new to Elkins Pointe is an event that is designed to connect our families in a smart and happy way. Moe's BBQ will have will be on sale during this dinner time event. Families are invited to stop by and visit the booths in our "Get Connected" fair. Booths will we from all the many activities and events that our school has to offer! We will have a GIANT "Connect Four" game, a YEARBOOK "Photo-booth," and a Morning News Crew "Interview Station" and more! Here are some of the amazing booths you will be able to visit:
- Robotics
- Academic Bowl
- Science Olympiad
- Trips Abroad: Spain, Japan, France
- Interact Club & Be THE Voice
- National Japanese Honors Society
- Intramurals Sports: Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, and Tumbling
- StarHouse
- Jr. Beta
- PTSA - Beyond the Classroom
- Business Technology, i.e. iSchool Student Team and Office365
- Drama
- Book Team
- P.E. Events & Outreaches: Hoops for Heart, Adventure Quest, “My Brand” (Health Connections Class)
- News Crew - Titan Morning Announcements
- Connections: Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Art, Construction Club, AVID
- Pointe Team
- Duke Tip
- Dad's Club - Super Hero Dads!
- WEB
- FCA
- Student Council
- Yearbook - Photobooth
Things for Students
Calling ALL 6th Grade Parent to TAILGATE! 9/18 to 9/28
The Elkins PTSA would like to invite you to help us with making the 6th Grade Dance a huge success! The dance is on Thursday, Sept. 28th after-school from 4-5:30 pm. We need help with Ticket Sales, Set-Up, Clean-Up, etc.
- SignUpGenius: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0548A4A822A64-6thgrade4
- Questions? Email: Marisa Harrer at mdharrer@comcast.net.
FCA has officially started up and will meet every Thursday @ 7:45 am in Coach Billups' Room (E-109).
- ALL Grades Welcome - 6th, 7th & 8th!!!
- For both Boys & Girls!
Things to Do...
On Sunday, October 15, 2017, from 2:0 –6:00 pm at the Elkins Pointe Middle School Athletic Track (11290 Elkins Road, Roswell, GA 30076)
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
VIV “Very Important Voice” Presenting Sponsorship: $2,000
- Logo placed at the top of event t-shirt worn by participants
- Listed as top sponsor on website with logo and link
- Booth, banner, or merchandise prominently displayed at event (provided by sponsor) - Tent, table, and two chairs provided at no charge
- Prominent recognition on all event advertisements including media announcements, posters, flyers, and registration info
- Right to provide unlimited promoted items for participants - Ten complimentary participant entries (including t-shirts and sunglasses)
Petting Zoo Sponsorship: $1,500
- Logo prominently on back of event t-shirt worn by participants
- Booth, banner, or merchandise prominently displayed at race (provided by sponsor)
- Right to provide promotional items, coupons, etc.
- Recognition on event’s web page - Five complimentary participant entries (including t-shirts and sunglasses)
Activities* Sponsorships:
- $400 - $1,250 - Logo on back of event t-shirt worn by participants
- Booth, banner, or merchandise displayed at event (provided by sponsor) - Right to provide promotional items, coupons, etc.
- Recognition on event’s web page - Complimentary participant entries (based on a sliding scale)
* Activities: Dunk Tank ($400), Bounce House ($700), Dual Giant Slide ($1,000), Hungry Hippos Game ($1,250) – click here for photos
CLICK HERE for the Sponsorship Form!
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact Event Chair Katha Stuart at jkstuart@bellsouth.net or 404-660-9659 (cell).
Order Yearbook!!
- To order online, click here.
- To print out ORDER FORM, click here or use this link to Download Form: https://tinyurl.com/EPMS-Yearbook-Form-2018
- Any Questions? Email: Mrs. Suckow at Suckow@fultonschools.org.
Have you signed up for ZippSlip?
Instructions for Accessing Electronic Permission Forms:
1. Create a New Parent Account at https://www.zippslip.com/ZippSlip/PermissionManager/GA/GA/Fulton+County+Public+Schools.
- Enter your name, email and create & confirm your password to Create Account.
- Enter your child's 10-digit student I.D. and their date of birth to Add a Student to your account. You can add all your Elkins Pointe students to one parent account. You can find your child's student ID from their schedule, an old report card, or by asking them.
2. Now you are ready for the next step of completing electronic forms using ZippSlip.
- Log into ZippSlip using your newly created account.
- Select the form that requires you to Respond Now.
- Create & confirm an electronic signature PIN. This 4-6-digit number is an extra security precaution and will be used to sign all electronic forms.
- To complete the form, enter your Student's Name and your electronic signature PIN where indicated.
- When you have Responded Yes to all available forms, then you are finished.
Be sure to record your email, password, and PIN so you can easily use this account for other electronic forms this year. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Brown at brownbh@fultonschools.org
Select your t-shirt color
Enter your name, payment etc.
Your order will be delivered to school to your advisement teacher
Please make sure you include your students’ name and 1st period teacher.
Wish List
Golf Club is looking for used or new tennis balls. Students can bring tennis balls directly to Mr. Feilen, Mr. Johnson, or Mrs. Gallagher. Parents can leave them in the front office marked, "Golf Club."
Our new Visual Art teacher, Ms. Powell needs donations of baby food jars, newspapers and magazines. Please send items to Room A-160 or drop off in the front office marked, "Ms. Powell."
❤️ Volunteer ❤️
We need your help in the Media Center and the School Store! The Media Center needs parents to help shelve books, assist students on the computers and scan shelves for misplaced books. Please consider signing up for a shift at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-media2.
Also, consider working a shift in the School Store! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-school3
- Shifts are daily, 8 – 8:50 AM.
- PLEASE NOTE: YOU NEED TO COMPLETE A 10 MINUTE TRAINING PRIOR TO WORKING IN THE STORE! MARYANNE CODELLI IS AT THE SCHOOL EVERY MONDAY AT 8:10 AM, OR CAN BE REACHED AT MACODE@BELLSOUTH.NET FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Volunteer Registration
- Computer access is available in the Parent Liaison office to complete registration if needed.
- To register at home, use this link: http://www.fultonschools.org/…/Pages/partnersvolunteers.aspx
What is Parent University? Parent University Workshops are engagement opportunities for parents to learn how to help your child with academics, get information about high school transitioning, understand how to interpret the curriculum and testing (i.e. GA Milestones, STAR and EOCT), get information about acceleration pathways, learn AVID techniques used at school and get to understand what Personalized Learning means at EPMS.
Parent workshops are offered monthly. Our Title I Parent Liaison offers a variety of workshops, so please read Titan Talk and visit the Title I tab on the Elkins Pointe website.
Presentation materials, i.e. videos, handouts, agenda's, etc. from past Parent University Workshops are available on our website. If you have any questions on past or future Parent University workshop, please email Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles at ohanlon@fultonschools.org.
FOOTBALL @ Our High Schools
To buy MHS Football ticket, click below:
To buy RHS Football ticket, click below:
Community Outreach
Water Wednesdays!
Did you know that approximately 10,000 individuals living in the North Fulton area (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Mountain Park) are either unemployed, underemployed or without basic resources like food, clothing, and shelter? North Fulton Community Charities wants to offer a way to help these families.
Our agency has created a really simple way for you to help. It's called Water Wednesday. For the next 10 weeks (or longer if you wish), we are challenging you to drink only water and donating $5.00 or more to NFCC. It is most likely what you would have spent on coffee, tea or some other beverage and here at NFCC we can put it to good use.
Water Wednesday is a quick and easy way to hydrate your body AND to help others HYDRATE their life. Sign up. Donate.. Tell a Friend...SPREAD THE WORD AND MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.
Our goal is to raise $45,000.
Courage to Care
- $50: will pay for 2 weekly MARTA passes for someone looking for work or two tanks of gas
- $100: will heat a home for a month, or provide air conditioning during summer for a frail senior
- $160: covers the GED exam fees for an adult who has been studying hard at the Education Center @ $40 for each of 4 subject modules
- $260: pays for one week in a hotel for a homeless mother and one child
- $400: pays half the rent for a single mother whose hours at work were cut back
- $610: stops the eviction for a family behind on their rent during a medical crisis
TOGETHER, WE'RE STRONGER! TOGETHER, WE CHANGE THE WORLD!
Forks & Corks - 9/28
Fine food. Fine wine. Great cause. Great time. Please Save The Date for the annual Forks and Corks event presented by North Fulton Community Charities in support of neighbors and families in need.
- Thursday, September 28th, 2017
- The Plaza at Avalon
- 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- (VIP Reception at Oak Steakhouse & Coletta)
- 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
For additional information, please contact Vonda Malbrough at vmalbrough@nfcchelp.org or at 678.387.4459
QUICK REFERENCE
Calendar DATES
Please Note: Upcoming dates are subject to change & some dates may not be included.
Upcoming in September...
- 9/19 - AVID Parent Meeting @ 6 pm
- 9/20 - 8th GR Trip Balance Due ($160)
- 9/22 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 9/22 - RHS 8th Grade Night for Band/Chorus @ RHS Football game
- 9/26 - "EPM Get Connected Night" @ 6 pm - 8 pm - Come learn about Clubs, Sports, After-school activities and more...
- 9/26 - Spirit Night @ Chipotle/Baskin Robbins
- 9/28 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Rm. E-109)
- 9/28 - 6th Grade Tailgate Party 4 - 5:30p
- 9/29 - Parent University Workshop
- 9/29 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 9/29 - Reflections Entries due
October is Parent/Teacher Conference Month
- 10/2 - Band Fundraiser starts
- 10/3 to 10/5: 8th Grade Gerogis Trip to Savannah
- 10/5 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Rm. E-109)
- 10/5 - PTSA Board Mtg
- 10/6 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Workday
- 10/9 - NO SCHOOL - School Closed (FCS Holiday)
- 10/11 - Fall Music Showcase for Band, Orchestra & Chorus @ 6:30 pm (Gym)
- 10/12 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Rm. E-109)
- 10/12 - Reflections Reception by Invitation (Media Center)
- 10/13 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 10/14 - Youth Day Parade
- 10/15 - "Be the Voice" Color Run @ EPMS from 1pm - 6 pm
- 10/16 - Reflections Winners Reception
- 10/18 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ RHS 6:30 pm
- 10/18 - Box Tops Deadline
- 10/18 - Fall Picture Retake
- 10/19 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Rm. E-109)
- 10/19 - Fall Orchestra Concert @ 7 pm
- 10/20 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 10/22 to 10/28 - Bus Driver Appreciation Week
- 10/24 - 7th Grade Dance @ 4 pm – 5:30 pm
- 10/25 & 10/26 - Reading Field Test (6th GR)
- 10/25 - Spirit Night
- 10/26 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Rm. E-109)
- 10/27 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 10/29 to11/3 - Red Ribbon Week
- 10/30 - PINK OUT & Pinkathon (Gym)
- 10/31 - Parent University Workshop - Parent Resource Open House (Media Center)
November is Family Engagement Month
- 11/2 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Rm. E-109)
- 11/2 - MHS Band Cluster Concert (EPMS 8th Grade) @ 6:30 pm (MHS Theatre)
- 11/3 - Wear College Swag
- 11/3 - Titan Tailgate
- 11/5 - Daylight Savings...Fall Back
- 11/7 - ELECTION DAY School OPEN (Gym Closed)
- 11/9 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Rm. E-109)
- 11/9 - 6th & 7th GR Band Concert @ 6:30 pm (Gym)
- 11/10 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 11/10 - Veteran's Day - EPMS Honors Our Vets!
- 11/14 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ MPES @ 9:30 am
- 11/16 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Rm. E-109)
- 11/16 - College & Career Day
- 11/17 - NO SCHOOL - EPMS Full Release Day
- 11/20 to 11/25 - THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY/FALL BREAK
- 11/24 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 11/10 - Veteran's Day - EPMS Honors Our Vets!
- 11/30 - Parent University Workshop
- 11/30 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Rm. E-109)
- 11/ 30 - Band, Orchestra & Chorus Elementary School Tours
- 12/1 - Wear College Swag
- 12/8 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 12/11 - Band Holiday Concert @ 6:30 pm (Gym) - Please Note Date Change!
- 12/13 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ HSES @ 9:30 am
- 12/15 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 12/18 to 8/21 - Final Exams for 8th Graders
- 12/23 to 1/4 - WINTER BREAK - School Closed
Stay Updated
Fulton County Schools (FCS) recommends staying tuned in to their website, FCS social media accounts, and local news media for updates.
- FCS Website: http://www.fultonschools.org/en
- FCS Facebook Page (@FultonCounty Schools) https://www.facebook.com/FultonCountySchools/?fref=ts
- FCS Twitter (@FultonCoSchools) http://www.twitter.com/FultonCoSchools
Elkins Pointe Middle School Informational Items
We ♥️ Our Business & Community Partners!
3600 Dallas Hwy #280, Marietta, GA 30064
(770) 627-4885
Proud to sponsor Elkins Pointe Middle School Spirt Wear!
4350 North Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30022
(678) 892-5000
Thank you for your generous donation for our students.
10516 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, GA 30076
(770) 645-1550