Dear Families,

This is our last family newsletter for the 2024-2025 school year. With less than 18 days remaining in the school year, we are making the days count. In the upcoming days, students will take several assessments (iReady, District Assessments, EL Education Benchmark Assessments, GKIDS, and classroom assessments) to measure their learning and growth. Students may also participate in schoolwide, grade level, and/or classroom celebrations to recognize their efforts for this school year. The final report card will be mailed to your home address listed in Synergy, our database, so be on the lookout for the report card so you can celebrate your child's successes.

It is has been an amazing school year. We have learned, loved, and laughed. While we look forward to the summer break, I am excited about the 2024-25 school year. Please check our website during the summer for updates on student supply lists, and important dates for the 2024-2025 school.

Thank you for a great year and your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kassia Sutton

Proud Principal of Norcross Elementary

Congratulations to Ms. Demoff and Mr. Fortenbery. They will retire at the end of the school year. We wish them the best in the next chapter of their lives.

Dear Families,

If you have dropped off medication(s) in the clinic for your child(ren) this school year, please contact

Ms. Liliana Martinez immediately. The remaining medication(s) must be picked up by 5/10/2024. If we don't receive instructions from you before the last day of school, any medication left will be disposed of.

Have a happy and safe summer.

On Friday, April 26 we recognized our volunteers and all they do to support our students and staff. Our volunteers were presented with original art pieces made by our students with the support of our amazing art teacher, Bobbie Adamczyk.

Thank you to the families who were able to join us on Thursday, April 25 to provide us with our Title 1 plan for the 2024-2025 school year. We value and need your feedback!

On Thursday, April 25 the Norcross Cluster Schools presented the Innovation Showcase to our community. The showcase included student presentation and performances.

Our students were a HUGE SUCCESS at the Norcross Cluster Art Show!

Special thank you to the Norcross Cluster Art Teachers!

Thank you to Glenn and Jackie Morgan, Victory Church, and the many volunteers who helped to clean and beautify on campus on Saturday, April 27. The campus is ready for spring and summer.

On Sunday, April 28 members of our Girls on the Run team participated in the run at Cheney Stadium.

May 2: GMAS Science for 5th grade

May 6 - May 10: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 10: Kindergarten Completion Ceremony

May 16: PBIS End of the Year Party

May 20: End of the Year Classroom Parties

May 21: 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Summerour 5:30pm

May 22: Last Day of School

See the flyers below for AAPI Spirit Friday.

During the week of May 6, please honor and recognize our amazing teachers with notes, flowers, and other small tokens of appreciation. Our teachers and staff do an amazing job of taking care of our Eagles.

Students may join us in teacher appreciation spirit week

Monday, May 6 - Wear camoflauge or safari gear

Tuesday, May 7 - Wear your favorite superhero shirt

Wednesday, May 8 - Wear your wellness gear

Thursday, May 9 - Wear animal prints

Friday, May 10 - for Asian American and Pacific Islander Month wear traditional clothing from AAPI culture or dress as your favorite AAPI hero

Future students and families, use the QR Code below to sign up for a registration appointment.

Advance/Early Voting: April 29-May 17

Election Day: May 21

https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/Departments/Elections/ElectionSchedule

Wednesday, July 31 from 8:30am -11:30am is Meet Your Teacher Day (MYTD) and Registration

Monday, August 5 is the 1st Day of School.

Thursday, August 22 is Curriculum Night.

Families,

If you completed a residency affadavit to attend Norcross Elementary, you must renew/update the residency affadvit each year. Please make note of the following:

The individual with whom the student's parents/guardian is residing must accompany the parent to the school to provide identification, and proof of residency.

Please contact Shakira Herbert for questions or additional information.

https://www.gcpsk12.org/schools/new-student-enrollmentregistration/residency-affidavit

We are so excited about are partnership with Booster. Please view the document on the ways Booster is supporting Norcross Elementary.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_M86EIzuKkRbeBavukRTta2FC2suBJJt/view?usp=sharing

Summer Time Learning

Gwinnett County Public Schools’ family engagement initiative seeks to support the growth, development, and success of each and every student. The Engage, Equip, and Empower series hosted by the Department of Federal Programs Office of Family Engagement provides opportunities for families to participate in instructional sessions, workshops, events, and activities to engage with Gwinnett County Public Schools. The series will provide opportunities for families to learn how to support their children at home in the core academic content areas, be active participants in their children’s education, and learn about resources, programs, and wraparound services to support their children.

Use the button below to access the website.

Below is the schedule for the GMAS Assesement our 3rd -5th graders will take. Please make note of the dates.

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

PBIS Summer Tip:

The summer is a great time to watch movies with your kids. Movies with educational messages or subject matter offer parents and kids a chance to learn as they’re entertained. Watching movies with your kids can help you open a dialogue with your child about important topics and can help improve their social-emotional understanding. Enjoying educational family movies together is an excellent way to learn and grow while still having fun.

Educational Movies to Watch With Your Kids That Teach Life Lessons:

“Life Lesson” Movies are best for elementary-aged kids. Children who are still young enough that more serious topics might be too much for but old enough to start learning about morals, social expectations, and “golden-rule” type behaviors. Some excellent kids’ movies with lessons about family, kindness, generosity, courage, and love include:

• Finding Nemo (2003)

• Frozen (2013)

• My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

• Up (2008)

• Meet the Robinsons (2007)

• How to Train Your Dragon (2011)

• Nanny McPhee (2005)

• Marley & Me (2008)

• Mary Poppins (1964)

• Inside Out (2015)

• Matilda (1996)

Here’s how to approach difficult topics with kids based on their age:

Ages 2 to 7

Try to discuss topics simply and use references to feelings or situations your child is familiar with to help their understanding. Avoid blanket-labeling fictional movie villains as “evil” or “bad” to help them understand the nuance behind real people and actions. Additionally, break things down into simple phrases. Use more vague, neutral statements to give them a general understanding of someone being hurt or a scary situation.

Ages 8 to 12

Kids at this age have more life experience and are becoming exposed to complex topics. If they’re still coming to you when they feel upset about something they’ve seen, reinforce that they can always have a dialogue with you about upsetting or difficult topics. Let them know they’re welcome to ask you about issues like race, gender, sexuality, and violence and provide them with age-appropriate materials to help them understand these ideas better. Encourage them to think up open-ended questions about topics and help guide them to places where they can find discussions and deeper thoughts.

PBIS Information for Families
https://www.pbis.org/family

Positive Behavior
https://www.parentcenterhub.org/pbs-resources/

Please call the front office if you would like to find out more about the NES PBIS program!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19bifZqyfbBl9blBiUlta0NuwrYKGryJ0/view?usp=sharing

Play2Learn at Norcross Elementary is every week on Tuesday or Wednesday from 9:45 -11:15.

Play 2 Learn is a program for young children— ages birth to 5— offered at all elementary schools in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Children and parents and other adults in the family learn TOGETHER through engaging lesson plans in a high-quality preschool environment for 90 minutes each week during the school year. Families are empowered to keep the learning going at home so that all children will be ready for Kindergarten!

Contact Mr. Fortenbery (770) 448-2188 for more information about the program.

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).

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.

Meet Your Teacher Day is Wedenesday, July 31 from 8:30am-11:30am

1st Day of School is Monday, August 5.

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.