Dear Families,

As we approach the Thanksgiving break, I wanted to take a moment to encourage you to work closely with your students to help them stay focused on their academics during these critical final weeks. With your support, we can ensure that they finish strong and make the most of this important time.

As we all know, these last few weeks leading up to the Thanksgiving break can be a challenging period for students. With the holiday season approaching and the temptation to relax setting in, it's crucial to remind our children of the importance of maintaining their academic momentum. Here are some ways you can assist them:

1. Set Clear Goals: Encourage your child to set specific academic goals for these weeks. These goals can act as motivation and give them a sense of purpose.

2. Monitor Progress: Regularly check in with your child to track their progress and offer guidance when needed. Provide positive reinforcement for their efforts.

3. Encourage Healthy Habits: Promote a balanced lifestyle with sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and a well-balanced diet. Physical and mental well-being are closely connected to academic performance.

4. Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in motivating your child.

Remember that a collaborative effort between you, as parents, and our school can make a significant difference in your child's academic success. Let's work together to help them finish this semester on a high note and carry that motivation into the Thanksgiving break.

As always, thank you for your partnership. We're honored to work alongside you during this time in your child's life.

Warm Regards,

Mrs. Thornton, principal

We will be uploading information and resources to help support your students.

The district has a new Spanish Podcast for families

En Familia con GCPS is a new Spanish-language podcast for our district's Hispanic families and students dedicated to demystifying our education system. Join hosts Lynnette Aponte, Director of the International Newcomer Center, and Marisol Devarez, Spanish Language Communications Specialist, as they bring you monthly episodes featuring Spanish-speaking district staff who share valuable resources, simplify processes, and offer essential support. Share with your families today!

En Familia con GCPS, es un podcast dedicado a ayudar a las familias y estudiantes hispanos de las escuelas públicas del condado de Gwinnett a navegar el sistema educativo. Durante este tiempo, estarán acompañados por Marisol Devarez, enlace comunitario y mediático del distrito y Lynnette Aponte, directora del centro internacional para recién llegados de GCPS.

Puede escuchar este podcast en Spotify.

This video from GCPS Tech Tips highlights various translation tools that can be used by GCPS families. Tools highlighted include translating the content on a Chromebook device, changing the preferred language in the Chrome web browser, accessing Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, Immersive Reader, and more!

As we enter the winter season, it is important to know what to expect from GCPS in case of inclement weather. If weather conditions pose a potential safety concern, the decision to cancel school or delay opening might be made.

You can access current or potential weather hazards for north and central Georgia here.

Please do not drop off any cupcakes or balloons for students. We want to keep our classrooms clean and minimize interruptions to students learning. Thank you for your cooperation!

The Parent Portal is our primary communication tool. Here you can find information about grades, teacher correspondence, assessment data, transportation, attendance, etc in real time. Please be sure you know your username and password before the year starts. Our recommendation is to check the Parent Portal once a week.

If you currently do not have a Parent Portal account, use this link to request one.

There are times when your student may have a health concern and does not feel well. Please review this guide for reasons to help your student feel better at home.

No Coding experience is needed. We will have activities for all levels of coders.

Use this LINK to sign up for the Hour of Code.

All JMS students must enter and be accompanied by a parent or guardian to all home basketball games held at Seckinger High School. Any student not accompanied will not be permitted to enter and will have to be picked up by a parent/guardian. Tickets must be purchased by parents and students on the GoFan website. No cash is accepted at the door for tickets.

Students may sign up to audition for the Multicultural Night Talent Show or Fashion Show or BOTH!

Deadline: November 1st

Click HERE to sign up for the Talent Show

Click HERE to sign up for the Fashion Show.

If your family would like to host a booth to share your culture through snacks, music, activities, or fun facts, click HERE to sign up for a booth.

Deadline: December 1st

• Only Seckinger HS students and opposing HS students will be permitted in games without a parent. High School IDs will be checked.
• Students must leave school on game day and can return thirty minutes before the start.
• All games are available for purchase online. Visit the GoFan website here: https://gofan.co/
• All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult at all sporting events.
• Please click here to access the head coach's directory and email the coach for more information.

Reflections

Congratulations to all our participants in this year's Reflections Contest "I am Hopeful"!!!!

Good luck to those who are moving forward to Area/State.

"Get ready to glide into a night of fun at our upcoming Spirit Night at the ice skating rink! ❄️ Join us on Nov 14 from 5pm-9pm for an evening of frosty excitement and winter vibes. Whether you're a pro on the ice or a beginner, it's the perfect opportunity to show off your skating skills or learn something new.

Have an Ice Day Rink is located in downtown Sugar Hill at 5039 W Broad St NE, Sugar Hill, GA 30518

Jump into the excitement with us at our upcoming Spirit Night at the trampoline park! 🤸‍♂️🎉 Join us on November 30th from 5pm-8pm for a high-flying evening of bouncing fun and epic flips. It's the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner acrobat and show off your best tricks. $20 per person and that includes socks.

This school year, our district is transitioning to ParentSquare to communicate with families. We encourage all families to download the app and create an account. With its user-friendly interface, ParentSquare offers seamless two-way communication through text, newsletters, posts, emergency alerts, and direct messaging. One of our favorite features is the integrated translation feature, enabling automatic translations for multilingual families. Stay effortlessly connected with your child's teachers, schools, and the district. To get started, and learn about all the cool features, check out our website!

If you received our notification about ParentSquare and you have questions about confirming your account access, please send an email to PSQHelp@gcpsk12.org.

We offer multiple ways to connect with our staff and administrators to address your questions regarding your child's needs and interests.