THE NORCROSS ELEMENTARY EAGLE

Dear Families,

We have had an amazing start to the school year. Our EAGLES come to school each day ready to learn and do their best. Families, we thank you for sending your child to us each day. Also, thank you for joining us on Thursday, August 24 for Curriculum Night. Our teachers provided you with a lot of information so if you have questions or need clarification, please be sure to reach out to the teacher.

In our newsletter this month is a wealth of information to keep you infomred and to support you and our EAGLES. I would like to specifically highlight our Title 1 Parent Annual Meeting and International Night on Thursday, September 14. The Title 1 Meeting will give you the opportunity to learn how we use Title 1 funds to support teaching and learning. You will also be able to give us your ideas and input on ways the funding could be used. The meeting starts at 4:30pm in the Media Center. Immediately after the Title 1 Meeting, International Night will begin in the gym at 5:30pm. We would love for you to host a booth/table so others in our school community can experience and learn more about your culture. Use the link below to sign up to host a booth/table at our International Night. Our theme this year is WILD about Culture.

English form: https://forms.gle/g5iYdcXn2bf8sGNs6

Spanish form: https://forms.gle/J1iREh29dn2ueMV36

Families, we thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Kassia Sutton

Proud Principal of Norcross Elementary

This is a great way to encourage your kids to slow down and learn about mindfulness. If your kid is feeling stressed or overwhelmed, having a calming glitter bottle will help your child calm down. Below are instructions on how to make one for your child.

Calming Glitter Bottle

Here’s what you need:

-Tall clear water bottle (One that is strong and not easily crumbled)

-Clear corn syrup

-Assorted glitter

-Food coloring

-Very strong glue

-Water

Directions

Step 1: Get an empty plastic bottle

Step 2: Fill bottle with half corn syrup: Pour corn syrup into the bottle. The ratio is 50:50 corn syrup to water. The corn syrup thickens the water and prevents the glitter from completely settling. It creates that “shimmering” effect you get from slowly falling glitter.

Step 3: Add a generous amount of glitter to the bottle. (You can mix different types of glitter (fine and/or chunky as well as a few confetti-type glitter pieces that are iridescent if you like.)

Step 4: Add one or two drops of food coloring.

Step 5: Fill the rest of the DIY glitter jar up with water, screw the cap on, and shake the jar up. If you want to add more glitter or food coloring, open the jar back up and do so.

Step 6: Glue the top on: When you’re happy with it, apply a very strong glue all around the threads on the inside of the cap. Screw back on tightly and let it dry. You DEFINITELY do not want your kid taking the top off of this thing.

All GCPS students will have a Chromebook assigned to them for the 2023-24 school year. Students can also checkout a hotspot for internet access based on demonstrated need. Families may contact their schools to discuss options. If a GCPS technology resource is assigned to a student and taken home, it is the family’s responsibility to monitor the use of the device to ensure the student is following the Student Conduct Behavior Code and to ensure that the device is returned in the condition in which it was received. Please visit https://www.gcpsk12.org/Page/32833 for more information.

Changes in routine and seasonal transitions can cause emotional upheaval for families. A few strategies, described below, might help families adjust to changes as students get back into the habit of going to school. To help set the stage for positive behaviors at home:

• Teach, pre-teach, and re-teach. Children need to learn behavior just like they learn colors and shapes. A quick reminder can help reinforce a developing skill: “When we get in the car, sit up, buckle up, and smile!”

• Give transition warnings or cues to signal the end of one activity and the beginning of another: “In five minutes, it will be bath time.”

• First/then statements set up a child for delayed gratification: “First take your bath; then we can play dolls.”

• Focus on Go instead of Stop. Children often tune out words like No, Don’t and Stop and only hear the word that comes next, which is what an adult is trying to avoid. Tell a child what to do instead of what not to do: “Take your plate and put it in the sink.” Save Stop and No for dangerous circumstances that need a quick reaction.

• Choices prevent power struggles: “Would you rather play for five more minutes or get in the bath now?” “Feel free to choose the pink pajamas or the green ones.”

Key information for families is accessible via the Virtual Back-to-School Backpack for Families (http://www.gcpsk12.org/virtualbtsbackpack) and is posted on the district website.

Content for families is available online via the GCPS website, including Handbook Information for Students and Families (formerly called Student-Parent Handbook), as well as AKS Overviews (K-8) and AKS by grade (K-8) and subject (core and CTAE). These materials will not be printed. Links to these pages will be part of the Virtual BTS Backpack.

September 4 - Labor Day

September 6 - Boys' Scouts of America Visit classrooms

September 7 - Firedrill

September 8 - Progress Reports send home

September 11 and 12 - Grandparents' Day Luncehon

September 14 - Title 1 Annual Meeting & International Night at 5:30pm

September 15 - Digital Learning Day & Parent EL Meeting at 10:00am

September 22 - Counseling Advisory Meeting

September 26 - Cultural Arts Peformance (Read with Malcom)

September 27 - EIP Class Start date

September 28 - McDonald's Spirit Night

September 29 - Local School Council at 7:30 & Student of the Month

3rd-5th Grade High Touch, HIgh Tech Field Trip (on campus)

3rd - September 18,19

5th - September 20, 21

4th - September 22, 25

BSA Registration will occur on Thursday, September 7 in the cafeteria from 5:30pm-7:00pm.

Please join us on Monday, September 11 or Tuesday, September 12 for our Grandparents' Day Luncheon.

Grades: Kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th will be on Monday.

Grades 1st, 3rd, and 5th will be on Tuesday.

On Thursday, September 14 we will host the following:

Title 1 Annual Meeting 4:30pm - 5:30pm in the media center

International Night 5:30pm - 7:00pm in the gym

Norcross Elementary School will host our annual International Night on September 14, 2023 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. We want to get an idea of ​​how many countries are represented in our beloved Norcross community. So please take a moment to fill out the google form and let us know what countries are represented by your family.

English form: https://forms.gle/g5iYdcXn2bf8sGNs6

Spanish form: https://forms.gle/J1iREh29dn2ueMV36

All student learning resources and materials will be posted on the eClass pages and/or sent home with students on Thursday. Teachers will follow up with you as soon as possible if you have questions during the school day.

Free and Reduced Information

• As a reminder, SY23-24 Free and Reduced eligibility status will carry over for the first 30 school days of SY24 (through 9/14).
• Parents must fill out a new application for SY24 in order to maintain their Free or Reduced-Price meal benefits.
• The online 2023-2024 Free and Reduced application is now available. Click here to see if your child qualifies for free or reduced meals and to potentially avoid being charged.

Breakfast

All students will be charged for breakfast based on their current eligibility status (Free, Reduced, Full Pay)

• Meal Prices for breakfast are as follows: Reduced - $.30 cents; Full Pay - $1.50

Lunch

• All students will be charged for lunch based on their current eligibility status (Free, Reduced, Full Pay)
• Meal Prices for lunch are as follows: Reduced - $.40 cents; Full Pay - $2.25

MyPaymentPlus Offers Free 24/7 Access To

• Student cafeteria balances and purchase history
• Prepayments for breakfast/lunch, with auto-pay capability
• Meet Your Teacher Day (Open House) documents
• Other fees and activities such as yearbooks, spirit wear, field trips and more!

Using your MPP Account

https://instruction.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/content/enforced/2323043-Federal_Programs_Communication_Center/MyPaymentsPlus/MPP.setup.HOW_TO.mp4?ou=2323043

Creating an Account - Spanish

https://instruction.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/content/enforced/2323043-Federal_Programs_Communication_Center/MyPaymentsPlus/Spanish%20version%20(detailed).pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=j8rIvA3AnIlKoIU3fgtWbW8eI&ou=2323043

A Parental Guide: Reviewing and Acknowledging Orientation Agreements & Title I Documents

https://instruction.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/content/enforced/2323043-Federal_Programs_Communication_Center/MyPaymentsPlus/MPP%20How%20to%20review%20report.mp4?_&d2lSessionVal=j8rIvA3AnIlKoIU3fgtWbW8eI&ou=2323043

For customer service & support on your MyPaymentsPlus account, please call 1-877-237-0946

We are excited to announce that our school district has adopted a new form of school-to-home communication called ParentSquare. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with your child’s school and Gwinnett County Public Schools.

ParentSquare provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to receive and send information, such as:

• Weather-related closings & delays
• School and class information
• Share pictures and files
• See calendar items
• Upcoming class activities

Beginning July 18, 2023, district and school information will now be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text via ParentSquare. For even more convenience, download the ParentSquare app (available for free for iOS and Android devices).

Up-to-date Safety Equipment and Technology

Our school uses a variety of technological tools to reinforce security. These are some—but not all—of the tools in place:

• Cameras — interior and exterior
• VMS and Raptor — visitor management systems that control access doors and screen adults against National Sex Offenders Registry. Every visitor is required to show identification.
• Vestibules — Double glass door entry with bullet-resistant glass film at designated single point of entry for the school (coming soon).

Parents, we are excited to have your child attend Norcross Elementary School!

We are living and operating in unprecedented times that are challenging us in many ways. With new challenges come new and innovative practices. Enrolling in our school begins as a digital process.

All students new to GCPS, transferring from another GCPS school, out of the county or out of the state must all enroll through the

GCPS Virtual Enrollment OLR (online registration) process on the GCPS website.

Please share this information with your new neighbors who have school age children.

To schedule an appointment or if you require assistance, please contact our Student Data Management Clerk (SDMC), Ms. Shakira Herbert, at 770-448-2188

Improving student academic and behavior outcomes is about ensuring all students have access to the most effective and accurately implemented instructional and behavioral practices and interventions possible. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) provide an operational framework for achieving these outcomes.

Below is a picture our PBIS Matrix

1. If your child has a medical alert/medical health management plan, please contact Lilana Martinez as soon as possible, and complete and return applicable forms to her in a timely manner.

2. We want our students to have a full day of learning, but sometimes illness(es) may interrupt their day. For the safety and health of your child and others, if your child gets ill at school and needs to go home, please do so promptly. If you’re unable to pick them up, please be sure that we have a current list of emergency contact(s) that we may reach out to.

We will continue our focus on the Whole Child through MTSS by using Supportive Community and Academic Press (see picture below). An example of Supportive Community is our Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Program and an example of Academic Press is the implementation of the EL Education literacy pilot for Language Arts.

MTSS is a system or framework that integrates assessment and intervention within a school-wide, multi prevention system to maximize student achievement and reduce behavioral problems. It promotes systems alignment to increase efficacy and effectiveness of resources. (Adopted for National Center on Intensive Intervention).

Implementation of MTSS is one of our LSPI goals.

A student who leaves school before the official ending time must be signed out in the office by his/her parent or guardian. Parents must report to the receptionist, not the classroom. The receptionist will call the room for the child after a photo ID (government issued) has been shown. Please remember that each time a child checks out early, we must call the classroom and disrupt instruction for everyone. Children will be called to the Front Office where they will be released to the parent/guardian. The office will not check out students after 2:30 P.M. (11:30 A.M. on early release days). Please do not ask school personnel to make exceptions.

A child will not be permitted to leave the school in the custody of any person other than the child's parent unless that person is listed as a parent/guardian or emergency contact in the school’s database. As telephone numbers and situations change, please make sure you report this information to the school so we have the most accurate information.

Arrival

• Doors open at 8:20am
• Classes begin at 8:50am

Dismissal

• The Day ends at 3:20pm

Check out our Parent Page in our School Website to find more information regarding Title 1 and what happens at Norcross Elementary. It’s important to stay informed about your child’s education. The Powerpoint Presentation of the Title 1 Annual Meeting is posted there for your review. https://www.gcpsk12.org/domain/1603

We are looking for volunteers to participate in our Local School Council and Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Reach out to our Parent Center team, Robert Fortenbery Robert.fortenbery@gcpsk12.org or Eduardina Checo Eduardina.checo@gcpsk12.org for more information.

LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCIL (LSC)

The purpose of the LSC is:

• To help the local board of education develop and nurture participation
• To bring parents and the community together with teachers and school administrators to create a better understanding of and mutual respect for each other’s concerns
• To share ideas for school improvement

If you are interested in being a member of our Local School council, please contact Robert Fortenbery (robert.fortenbery@gcpsk12.org).

The tentative meeting dates are as follows:

September 23, November 11, January 27, and March 10 at 7:30amj.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

We are in need of a PTA board to support our school, our students, and our faculty. The board consists of a president/co-president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. Please contact me at kassia.morris.sutton@gcpsk12.org if you are interested.

https://www.pta.org/home/About-National-Parent-Teacher-Association/Mission-Values

Volunteer

Please partner with us and commit to volunteering at our school. Volunteer activites may include: working in the media center, laminating materials, counting out documents, cutting, and filing. Please contact Robert Fortenbery (robert.fortenbery@gcpsk12.org) or Eduardina Checo (eduardina.checo@gcpsk12.org) for volunteer opportunities.

July/August Newsletter - https://www.smore.com/ybt4x

Principal – Kassia Sutton (kassia.morris.sutton@gcpsk12.org)

Assistant Principal – Gr. 1, 4, 5 – Contacia Cross (contacia.cross@gcpsk12.org)

Assistant Principal - Gr. K, 2, 3 - Katrina Bilal (katrina.p.bilal@gcpsk12.org)

Assistan Principal - Special Education - Alicia Lapinsky (alicia.lapinsky@gcpsk12.org)

Counselor - Gr. K, 1 - Shelby Gonzalez (shelby.gonzalez@gcpsk12.org)

Counselor Gr. 2, 3 - Amy Crapo (amy.crapo.@gcps12.org)

Counselor Gr. 4, 5 - Matt Ho (matt.ho@gcpsk12.org)

Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/NorcrossES
Location: 150 Hunt Street, Norcross, GA, USA
Phone: 770-448-2188
Facebook: facebook.com/NorcrossElementarySchool-GCPS

Please open the document for dates and times. Information was sent home in the Friday Folder.