The Corley Cheer

Para español, presiona el botón "Translate"

Dear Corley Community,

It was wonderful seeing many of you at Trunk-or-Treat, the Harvest Hop and the Holiday Luncheon celebrations. This is always such a valuable time for our school to partner and bond with you and the Corley community. I am excited to announce that we have Fine Arts Night, Class Parties, Beta Club Induction Ceremony, and many other opportunities for you to be in the building to celebrate and give feedback to the school.

Many thanks to our Corley parents that have already participated in volunteering services at our events and more. Please make sure to connect with the Corley Family Center if you are interested in serving as a volunteer in any way at Corley. As a reminder, Corley volunteers must be parents that are linked to our Corley Scholars in the GCPS database. We would love to partner with you! We are so thankful for every Corley parent for helping to make sure that Corley Elementary is the best school in the world!

I can't believe that December has arrived. I look forward to seeing you in the building during events or throughout the school day. We are #CorleyStrong and look forward to seeing you soon. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or our administrative team. Please review the exciting updates below.

Mrs. Hollace Ervin- Special Education Services and Specials

Mrs. Tammy Knox- Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESOL Services

Mrs. Morgan Mendieta Hudson- 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, and ESOL Services

Mr. Gregory Jackson- 4th Grade and 5th Grade

Proud to be your principal,

Mrs. Aleshia Duckworth

During this part of the year, many families have very different traditions. We invite every student at Corley to depict their holiday traditions on a snow globe. A snow globe template will go home with each student. Students can share their family tradition on the globe using a picture or drawing. In conjunction with this, Mrs. Barton (ESOL) will be discussing winter traditions around the world during her segment of Trek and Wonder on the morning news show. There will also be books on winter and holiday traditions displayed in Corley's Media Center.

District Assessments (DAs) are coming up for Corley students in Grades 1-5 during the first full week of December. To help your child(ren) perform well, please ensure they get enough sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time. Please support your child(ren) by encouraging them to do their best, but also by reassuring them that it’s normal to find some questions challenging, because it shows they are learning. Here are the dates for the assessments:

• December 4: Social Studies DA (3rd-5th Grade)
• December 5: Math DA (1st-5th Grade)
• December 6: Science DA (3rd-5th Grade)
• December 7: Language Arts DA (1st-5th Grade)
  
  

District Assessments are a part of Gwinnett County Public School’s Balanced Assessment System. They are developed to align to the Academic, Knowledge, and Skills (AKS) and GCPS instructional calendars in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and are a blend of both Formative and Summative assessments administered at the classroom level to measure student learning of the AKS. These assessments allow students to demonstrate what they know, understand, and are able to do and help teachers determine whether students are performing as expected or need additional support to be successful.

The data from the assessments provide teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders with information regarding student learning. Teachers use the data during planning and refining of instruction to identify the need for remediation and extension activities for students. District leaders use the data to provide instructional support for teachers to help improve student achievement.

Please join us for Corley's first-ever Fine Arts Night! The following teachers have collaborated to plan an evening full of special performances from our talented students. The event will begin with an Art Exhibit in the Cafeteria, where concessions can be purchased. Then, families can transition to the gym for Dance, Theatre, and Chorus performances. We hope to see you there!

• Ms. Flores Santos (Art)
• Ms. Fann (SEL)
• Ms. Ramsey (2nd Grade)
• Ms. Gresham (Theatre)
• Ms. Adams (Music)

Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be able to participate in a Polar Express celebration in the Media Center this month. The Polar Express is a children's book by Chris Van Allsburg that tells the story of a young boy who boards a magical train on Christmas Eve. He travels to the North Pole, where he meets Santa Claus and receives a special gift: a bell that only rings for those who believe in the spirit of Christmas. The book is a classic tale of wonder, adventure and faith, and has won several awards, including the Caldecott Medal. Given that this theme centers around Christmas traditions, we understand some families may prefer for their child to opt-out of participating. A letter will be sent home with more information soon! In the meantime, you can click on the flyers below for more details.

The last day of First Semester is Friday, December 15, 2023. We hope our students and school staff have a safe and relaxing Winter Break. We look forward to welcoming teachers back for planning and staff development on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Students return to learning on Thursday, January 4.

Your child's teacher will be working to finalize grades during the month of December. However, Report Cards will not be issued by the county until January. Parents can view Report Cards in ParentVUE on January 14th, 2024. The district office will print and mail report cards to your home address January 16th, 2024.

We are so excited to host our first Awards Day here at Corley for our students in 4 years!! All our students have worked very hard to complete first semester with flying colors, and we want to honor a few of them who have showed exceptional academic and behavioral progress throughout the semester with an Awards Day Ceremony! This ceremony will take place during the school day as a regular school day activity on January 25 & 26, 2023. Students recognized will receive awards in the below categories:

• Principal’s Award (all As or all E's)

• All A/B Honor Roll or E/S Honor Roll

• Patriot Award (one boy/girl for each class)

• Most Growth Award (one boy/girl for each class)
  
  

We know that our students will be so proud to share their awards with their families once they get home!

Gwinnett County Public Schools Health and Physical Education Office will offer district preview sessions that will be available on select dates at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center for the remainder of this semester. Parents or Guardians wishing to preview the instructional materials for sex education may schedule an appointment by contacting Greta Murphy (678-301-7040) in the Health and Physical Education Office. Select dates will focus on grade-level materials. Parents or guardians must schedule an appointment prior to the meeting date they wish to attend to ensure we will be able to accommodate the number of participants attending. No action is required for parents or guardians who wish for their child to receive this information.

4th Grade Preview

• Thursday, December 5, 2023, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM

5th Grade Preview

• Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 10:00 - 11:30 AM
  
  

Local School Preview Options

Beginning January 2024, parents or guardians wishing to preview the sex education curriculum may schedule an appointment at their child’s school to preview the instructional materials in person. The link for the instructional materials may not be sent home to parents or guardians due to copyright laws. No action is required for parents or guardians who wish for their child to receive this information.

November was National Native American Heritage Month. GCPS celebrates each and every individual as we cultivate a culture of belonging while leading with empathy, equity, and excellence to ensure that GCPS students, families and staff feel welcome, safe, accepted, valued, and prepared for the future. National Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of the Indigenous peoples of North America. It is also a time to acknowledge the important contributions and achievements of Native Americans in various fields of endeavor, such as arts, science, education, politics, and more. By honoring and respecting the Native American heritage, we can foster a more inclusive and respectful society for all.

Corley's Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) met for the second time this school year on November 2nd. The Instructional Leadership Team at Corley Elementary School is a group of teachers, administrators, and staff members who work together to improve the quality of instruction and student achievement. The ILT meets monthly under the experienced leadership of Dr. Chandra Walker to analyze data, identify areas of need, plan professional development, monitor progress, and provide feedback. The ILT also collaborates with other stakeholders, such as parents and community members, to ensure that the school's vision and goals are aligned with the needs and interests of the students.

Corley Elementary was represented at a high level at this month's Principal Professional Learning Session. Mrs. Duckworth, Mrs. Mendieta, Ms. Santangelo, and Ms. Rouse were able to present to several principals and county leaders with a focus on Corley Elementary's current practices with EL Education. Each participant was blown away by the great work that is taking place at Corley.

The library embraced the fall spirit this year by having a pumpkin decorating contest. Corley Elementary School students and parents were invited to decorate a pumpkin like their favorite book character. We had almost 50 entries! This was our first year and I can only see it growing next year. Every student who submitted an entry received an ice cream coupon. The entire school had an opportunity to vote. We had a 1st, 2nd and two 3rd place winners. These are the winners:

On November 6, we honored the valuable contributions of our school psychologist, Tiffany Joel, at Corley Elementary. Mrs. Joel works tirelessly to support the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. She provides services that help create a positive and safe learning environment for everyone. We are grateful for her dedication and expertise. Thank you, Mrs. Joel, for being an integral part of our school community!

On November 11th we honor and thank the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces of our country. They have sacrificed their time, their health, and sometimes their lives to protect our freedom and democracy. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. We also recognize their families and loved ones who have supported them throughout their service. Happy Veterans Day to those who served. You are our heroes and our inspiration. Dr. James Davis is Corley's own US Army Veteran.

The Harvest Hop was a blast from the past! Students and parents enjoyed a night of dancing and fun at the fall dance, which had a Fifties theme. It was great to see people dressed up in their best retro outfits, from poodle skirts and leather jackets to polka dots and bow ties. The music was upbeat and catchy, and everyone showed off their moves on the dance floor. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the season and have some quality time with friends and family. We want to thank all the volunteers who helped make this event a success. They worked hard to set up, clean up, and provide snacks and drinks for everyone. We appreciate their dedication and generosity. The Harvest Hop was a night to remember, and we hope you had as much fun as we did!

The Holiday Luncheon is a special event that takes place every year at Corley Elementary School. It is a celebration of the season and the community. The Holiday Luncheon is one of the most anticipated events of the year at Corley Elementary School, and it always brings smiles and laughter to everyone who participates.

The cafeteria staff at Corley Elementary School deserve a special THANK YOU for their hard work and dedication in preparing and serving a delicious Holiday Luncheon meal. We thank them for their service and their smiles, and we look forward to enjoying more of their culinary creations in the future.

On November 16th, the Berkmar Cluster held their annual Local School Council meeting at Berkmar High School. The School Council meeting included individuals such as Cluster Principals, Dr. Watlington, parents, stakeholders and school employees. At the meeting, each of the cluster principals presented updates about events and programs at their respective schools.

Principal Duckworth showcased the remarkable efforts of Corley students and staff throughout this academic year. She highlighted initiatives such as the Saturday STEM School, Trunk-or-Treat, PTA at Corley, and the endeavors of the Instructional Leadership Team. Her presentation left the audience well-informed about how our collective commitment to our students and community is shaping the current school year.

In honor of Substitute Appreciation Day, we assembled goody bags for our exceptional substitute teachers. This was a small gesture to acknowledge their tireless efforts and commitment to the students at Corley. It is our hope that these tokens of gratitude will serve as a reminder of the appreciation felt by our school community.

The Kindness Club is a group of students who are dedicated to spreading kindness and compassion in their school and community. They meet on Tuesdays from 7:45 am to 8:15 am at Corley Elementary School, where they plan and execute various projects and activities that promote positive values and social skills. Under the supervision of Ms. Newman and Childers, the club members enjoy working together and learning from each other, as well as making a difference in the lives of others.

The Beta Club of Corely Elementary School welcomed its new members in a special induction ceremony on Wednesday, November 29th. Led by Mrs. Keisha Jackson, club sponsor, the ceremony was held in the school Media Center and was attended by the club advisors, teachers, parents, and students. The Beta Club is a national honor society that recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and service. The new inductees received certificates and pins as symbols of their achievement and commitment. Congratulations to the new Beta Club members!

Specials teachers play a vital role in the education of our students. They provide opportunities for students to explore and develop their interests, skills and talents beyond the core content areas. Specials teachers enrich the curriculum with subjects such as art, music, physical education, technology, and more. They help students discover new ways of learning, expressing themselves and connecting with others. Corley's specials teachers also support the social and emotional well-being of students by fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. For this month's Specials Spotlight, click the images below to zoom in and see what students have been doing in Health with Mrs. Morgan and Music with Ms. Adams!

Media Center News

The Play 2 Learn program focuses on building the capacity of parents and caregivers to be their child's first teacher, as well as providing an opportunity for children to learn and play in a group setting. Caregivers are invited to bring children (ages birth to five) to a 90-minute session each week.

PTA is coming to Corley, and we need your support! We'd like to encourage all staff and families to join PTA! Please scan the QR code or CLICK HERE to pay the $5.00 membership fee and show your support for PTA @ Corley!

While this is not a requirement, we would love for you to join our Parent-Teacher Association to help build community. You can give your time, talent, and resources to join our collective efforts in promoting quality education, arts, and community involvement to build a healthy environment and safe neighborhood for all of our families.

GCPS Blueprint For The Future

Goal 1.A—Cultural competence.

Goal 4.B—Post-secondary and workforce readiness.

Goal 4.A—Preferred education destination.

My Payments Plus is a multi-purpose website we use here at Gwinnett County Public Schools. Once you create an account, you can use the site to pay for school lunches and field trips or to review and sign important documents. For help registering for an account, you can watch this quick how to video.

Need help? Call the MPP Parent Support Phone Number: 1-877-237-0946

Children need healthy meals to learn. Gwinnett County Public Schools offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast costs $1.50; lunch costs $2.25 for elementary and $2.50 at middle and high schools. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced-price meals. The reduced price is $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch. Below are some common questions and answers to help you with the application process. Click HERE for complete the online application.

WHO CAN GET FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE MEALS?

• All children in households receiving benefits from SNAP or TANF are eligible for free.
• Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free.
• Children participating in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free.
• Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free.
• Children may receive free or reduced-price meals if your household’s income is within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Chart.

We have recently noticed an increase in students being dropped off in front of the school, without parental assistance. As a reminder, students should arrive between 8:15 AM-8:50 AM. Students who are dropped off in a parent's car should use the car rider lane between those times. However, if you are dropping your students off after 8:50 AM, please escort them into the building to complete the official check-in process. For safety & security, no child should be left to enter the building alone! Thank you for your support with this procedure.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1. All visitors must check in at the welcome desk and please be prepared to provide some form of identification upon request.
2. Students should arrive between 8:15 AM- 8:50 AM.
3. Morning announcements and the tardy bell rings at 8:50 AM.
4. Dismissal bell rings at 3:15 PM.

• If you are checking your child out early, please do so before 2:30 PM. This leaves our bus lanes open for bus arrivals. Also, please remember that a picture ID is required for all student check-outs. Thank you!

• December 4 - College Spirit Wear Day
• December 4 - Social Studies DA (3rd-5th Grade)
• December 5 - Math DA (1st-5th Grade)
  
• December 6 - Science DA (3rd-5th Grade)
• December 7: Language Arts DA (1st-5th Grade)
• December 7 - Fine Arts Night
• December 11 - Class Parties for PreK at (11:00 am)
• December 12 - Class Parties for 4th grade (12:30 pm) and 1st grade (1:30 pm)
  
• December 13 - Class Parties for 2nd grade (12:15 pm) and 3rd grade (1:15 pm)
  
• December 14 - Class Parties for Kindergarten (12:00 pm) and 5th grade (1:40 pm)
  
• December 16 to January 3 - Winter break