
Giddy Up
Brookwood Elementary School | February 9, 2024

Mark Your Calendar
- February 12 - Specials - K, 1, 5: Day 2; 2, 3, 4: Day 2
- February 12 - No Lunch Guests
- February 13 - Specials - K, 1, 5: Day 3; 2, 3, 4: Day 3
- February 14 - Specials - K, 1, 5: Day 4; 2, 3, 4: Day 4
- February 15 - 19 - Student/Teacher Holidays
- February 23 - All Pro Dads of Brookwood Elementary Breakfast
- February 23 - Spring Picture Day
- February 27 - Dogwood Pizza Night
- February 28 - March 8 - Scholastic Book Fair
- March 4 - Interim District Assessment - Grades 1 - 5 - Math
- March 5 - Interim District Assessment - Grades 3 - 5 - Social Studies
- March 6 & 7 - Early Release Days
- March 11 - Interim District Assessment - Grades 1 - 5 - English/Language Arts
- March 12 - Interim District Assessment - Grades 1 - 5 - Science
News from Brookwood
Cultivating Young Minds: Brookwood Cluster Showcases Critical Thinking at the GCPS School Board Meeting
On Thursday night, the spotlight shone brightly on the Brookwood Cluster's commitment to developing critical thinking skills, including a focus on our innovative Entrepreneurship program. Led by our dedicated 3rd - 5th grade entrepreneurship teacher, Jennifer Moon, and three enterprising students proudly presented their student-run businesses alongside dazzling displays of the thriving Colt Caboodle school store at the school board meeting.
This presentation wasn't just about showcasing cool products and impressive sales figures. It was a powerful demonstration of how our cluster empowers students to think critically, problem-solve creatively, and develop essential life skills through engaging programs like Entrepreneurship.
The students, Lulu Tsehaye, 3rd grade, Elizabeth Shubert, 4th grade, and Bella Tsehaye, 5th grade, captivated the audience with their insightful explanations of their business concepts, marketing strategies, and financial management techniques. Their confidence and poise highlighted the transformative impact of the program, which extends far beyond the classroom, equipping them with valuable tools for future success in any field they choose.
Join us in celebrating their achievements and exploring the exciting world of critical thinking in our schools! Visit the GCPS Blueprint in Action website to learn more about the Entrepreneurship program and other initiatives in the Brookwood Cluster, and discover how your child can embark on their own journey of intellectual growth.
Volunteers Needed for the Spring Book Fair!
Our Media Center is looking for a few volunteers to help with our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair! Volunteers receive a $5 Scholastic coupon for helping!
To volunteer, please go to the BES Spring Book Fair Volunteers Sign Up Genius.
Parent Mentors Present “Preparing for the Annual GCPS Transition Fair”
Who: Parents/Guardians of students receiving Special Education services
What: Parent Mentors Present: “Preparing for the Annual GCPS Transition Fair”
When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 AM or 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Where:
- In-Person registration link for 10:00am session: https://forms.gle/E5MDMQdLX2CCJn458
- Zoom registration link for 6pm session: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIudOyprDsoE9QIhR7B02Rubz_XV--4Ppof
Missing Something? Check the BES Lost and Found!
To avoid items going to the Lost and Found, we encourage you to label your child's outerwear, lunchboxes, and other belongings with their name. If an item has a name attached, we ensure it is returned to the student. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Send In Your Candy Wrappers!
We all love celebrating with something sweet! However, the vast majority of candy wrappers end up in landfills due to an inability by most curbside recycling programs to recycle them.
This Valentine's Day, Brookwood Elementary is participating in the Trash or Treasure program. Please send in your candy wrappers to be deposited. Let's see how many wrappers we can save! Students will be using this information during STEM special in connection with measurement and pollution AKS.
For more information on how this program works, please visit the Trash or Treasure website.
Reminder... GCPS students will be on break from Thursday, February 15, through Monday, February 19. Students and staff return to learning on Tuesday, February 20. Note that GCPS does not offer meal service on student holidays.
Mark your calendars! Spring Picture Day at Brookwood Elementary
Date: Friday, February 23rd
Important: Only students who pre-pay online/via order form or are new to the school since Fall pictures were taken, will have their portraits taken.
Here's what you need to know:
- Pre-order your portraits online: Visit GCI Portraits website and use the school code b124 before Thursday, February 22nd at 11:59 PM.
- Find all the details: Background options, package choices, and more are available in the spring order form.
Don't miss out on capturing this special Spring memory!
Brookwood Elementary PTA's Boots and Tutus
Get ready for a night of enchantment and fun as Brookwood Elementary PTA proudly presents "Boots and Tutus" – a special event exclusively for the girls of our school! This delightful evening is scheduled for Friday, February 23rd, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and it promises to be an unforgettable experience for each girl and her caring adult.
Event Details:
- Date & Time: Friday, February 23rd, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
- Location: Brookwood High School Commons Area
Ticket Information: Tickets can be purchased at the PTA website for $45, which includes admission for one adult and one child. Additional tickets can be obtained for $20 each. Please note that ticket availability is limited, so be sure to secure yours soon for this magical night.
What to Expect: Prepare for an evening filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. The "Boots and Tutus" event will feature:
- Dance the Night Away: A professional DJ will be on hand to keep the dance floor alive with music that girls of all ages will love. Get ready to show off your best dance moves!
- Strike a Pose: Capture the magic of the evening at our fabulous photo booth. Dress up in your favorite tutus and boots, strike a pose, and take home a keepsake photo to remember this special night.
- Delightful Snacks: Enjoy light snacks that will keep you fueled for a night of dancing and fun. Our menu is designed to cater to both children and adults, ensuring everyone leaves with a satisfied palate.
Ticket Purchase Instructions: To secure your spot at this extraordinary event, visit the PTA website and purchase your tickets. Don't miss out on the chance to create lasting memories with your little ones.
This promises to be an evening filled with laughter, dancing, and the joy of being together as a community. We look forward to seeing you at "Boots and Tutus" – a night of magic and delight for the girls of Brookwood Elementary!
New Reading Challenge - Carnival of Reading!
It's time for a NEW reading challenge! The Carnival of Reading Challenge will begin on Monday, January 8th and last through February 29th.
Kindergarten - 2nd grade students will need to log at least 240 minutes of reading time, and 3rd - 5th grade students must log at least 450 minutes of reading. All minutes must be logged on the Beanstack website (the link can also be found on the BES eCLASS page).
Students who complete the Carnival of Reading challenge will get to spin the Carnival Prize Wheel and win a prize!
*Note: Students will only be able to log up to 60 minutes a night.
If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Reynolds, Media Specialist at karleen.reynolds@gcpsk12.org.
Please check your notifications in ParentSquare
As we kick off the new semester, we want to make sure you're in the loop with all the exciting happenings at our school and in your child's classroom. ParentSquare is your go-to platform for important communications, and we want to ensure you receive updates in the way that suits you best!
Check Your Notification Settings:
ParentSquare has reset notification settings, so it's the perfect time to double-check and customize them to fit your preferences. Head over to your account settings and make sure you're set up to stay in the know!
Notification Types:
- Off: No notifications will be sent. (Perfect if you prefer to check updates on your own schedule.)
- Digest: Receive a daily summary of all messages sent. (Great for catching up at the end of the day.)
- Instant: Get notified every time a message is sent. (Stay on top of real-time updates.)
Where to Update Settings:
For detailed instructions and step-by-step guides to navigating your settings and setting up the ParentSquare app, visit the Gwinnett County Public Schools website .
Remember, ParentSquare is the BEST way to receive communications, so let's make sure you're all set up to make the most of this fantastic tool!
Cafeteria and Lunch Reminders
Student breakfasts are $1.50. Student lunches are $2.25 plus $.40 for extra milk. Adult lunches are $4.00. Families are encouraged to set up meal accounts for their student in MyPaymentsPlus. You can pay for your student’s lunch on MyPaymentsPlus using his/her student number.
Free or reduced price lunches will be provided for those students whose families meet Federal guidelines. If parents wish to apply for free or reduced price lunches, forms are available online on the GCPS website. Forms must be completed and resubmitted each year for approval and are available beginning in July for the next school year.
Food/snack/drink deliveries are not allowed for students at school. Students must bring a lunchbox from home or enjoy the school lunch.
Parent Visitors for Lunch
We do not have any parent visitors for breakfast. Parents may visit to eat lunch with their student Tuesday-Friday. (We do not have visitors on Mondays.) Parents/Guardians visiting for lunch should say "good bye” to their student in the cafeteria so that the teacher can begin instructional time after lunch. You are welcome to bring a lunch with you or you may purchase a lunch from our cafeteria.
Parents/Visitors who are eating lunch with their child, must be listed in Synergy as an approved contact and must sit at the specified visitor table with only their student. Students may not bring a friend with them to the parent/visitor table.
Food/snack/drink deliveries are not allowed for students at school. Students must bring a lunchbox from home or enjoy the school lunch.
Please see the current month’s calendar for additional days that visitors are not allowed to come for lunch due to testing or other special events. We do our best to communicate these days in advance. Available menu items are subject to change based on current inventory and deliveries.
PBIS Golden Ticket Motivators
Our PBIS Team has created an Amazon Wish List to help with filling Golden Ticket Orders and we would love to have donations. (If you have any new packaged small items that you'd like to donate, we'd love to have those as well! ) Check out our Amazon Wishlist to help us continue to motivate our students to be Ready, Respectful and Responsible AND cash in those Golden Tickets!! 🙂
Your Brookwood Elementary PBIS Team
2023 - 2024 Brookwood Elementary Yearbook - NOW on sale!
We are excited to announce that the 2023-2024 Brookwood Elementary yearbook is now on sale. Our students and staff are working hard to capture the events, activities and memories of this school year. Place your order for the yearbook at jostensyearbooks.com. This is one you won’t want to miss!
Purchase this yearbook now at the lowest price of the year! Until April 19th, you can purchase the yearbook for only $45. Purchasing early ensures your student receives a yearbook at the end of the year.
Download the GCPS Mobile App
Students, families, and staff can download the free GCPS Mobile app to stay on top of the latest news, calendar events, and emergency information. 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.
Box Tops for Education - No more clipping! Scan your receipt!
All money collected from boxtops goes directly to buy PE equipment for Brookwood Elementary. There is a new system starting this year where you download the FREE Boxtops for Education App and scan your receipt. The boxtops will automatically upload to our school's account. Just be sure to select BROOKWOOD ELEMENTARY SNELLVILLE, GA when you set up the app (There are SEVERAL Brookwood Elem. schools to choose from.) The video below will show you how the process works. Thank you!
Announcements from PTA
Check out these upcoming Spirit Wear discounts!
This week only, save $10 on all Brookwood flannel pajama pants! This includes youth and adult sizes in all colors! Shop the Brookwood Elementary site for this discount and the upcoming weekly product discounts:
2/12: Water Bottles: 25% off
2/19: Long Sleeve Tees $10 off
2/26: All Bags 25% off
Have you joined the Brookwood Elementary PTA?
It's time to join Brookwood Elementary's PTA! Go to the PTA membership website to purchase your membership today!
Support PTA with Kroger Rewards
From the Community
2024 Bronco Aces Tennis Club
Local tennis pro, Quintin Blake, and the Brookwood High School Varsity and JV players are leading the Aces program this year. This is a great opportunity for tennis players aged 14 and under to meet and interact with all the coaches and players on the BHS tennis team. Students will participate in three days of tennis where they will work on their skills and maybe acquire a few ones, all while having a blast.
For more information and registration, please go to the Bronco Aces website.
Brookwood Baseball Youth Night
Brookwood High School Baseball and Brookwood Baseball and Softball Association hope you are able to join us at our annual Youth Night, February 21, 2024 vs. Riverwood. A youth player will be chosen by raffle to throw the first pitch, in addition to raffles for autographed baseballs, standing with the players for the National Anthem (5:25pm) and baseball card giveaways! The concession stand will have $5 Pulled Pork Barbeque Sandwiches in addition to our wide variety of food on this special night! Join Brookwood Baseball for Youth Night with your family, enjoy dinner at the ballfield, and get a peek at our new state-of-the-art scoreboard on February 21!
*All registered BBSA players and players in uniform get free admission for Youth Night!*
Girl Scouts Interest Meeting
The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta will host an interest meeting at Brookwood Elementary School on Monday, February 12th at 6:30 pm.
Brookwood Schools Foundation Casino Night
2nd Annual Casino Night Fundraiser
benefiting Brookwood Schools Foundation
Friday, March 8, 7-11 p.m.
at Laundry in Downtown Lawrenceville
Tickets: $100
You don't have to be a high roller to mingle with our cluster principals,
community leaders, and neighbors.
All proceeds go toward grants for our seven cluster schools.
Tickets include casino cash and games, professional dealers, raffle prizes,
heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar.
Visit www.brookwoodschools.org to buy tickets
and to learn more about the Brookwood Schools Foundation.