Star News

Dear Simpson Families,

Happy February! We look forward to seeing you soon next month for parent-teacher conferences. Therefore, please SAVE-the-DATE for Wednesday, March 5th, and Thursday, March 6th for early release days. Students will have early release days and be dismissed at 12:50 PM. You will once again be able to sign up for your conference time(s) online. Also, please feel free to join me on Wednesday, February 19th for our PTA Starry, Starry, Night Reflections Award Ceremony at 6:30 PM. Thank you ALL for your continued support! It is an honor to serve as your principal. Have a wonderful February!

Proud to be your principal,

Dr. Connery

2/6 - PTA Star Wars (Coin Wars)

2/8 - PTA Sweetheart Dance at PDHS at 6:30 PM

2/11 - All Pro Dads at 7 AM

2/12 - PTA Staff Appreciation

2/19 - PTA Starry, Starry Night at 6:30 PM

2/20 - PTA Spirit Night coming soon

2/25 - PTA Talent Show Rehearsal

2/26-Gwinnett Writes Assessment-4th Grade

2/27 - Talent Show- Simpson's Got Talent

As a gentle reminder, we will have our winter break from February 13th-17th which will be a student/teacher holiday. Schools will be closed.

It is that time of year again to ask parents for their input in the class placement selection process for the 2025-26 school year. Starting February 3rd-18th, you will have an opportunity to share your desires for your student's class placement. This year, the form includes opportunities for you to choose personality traits of your child's teacher next year, friendship requests and a small section for you to add follow up comments. Please understand that we will do our best to honor your input during the class selection process, however we cannot guarantee every request will be honored. Our goal is to provide a positive school year experience for all students for the 2025-2026 school year.

25-26 Parent Input Form

Sincerely,

Simpson Administration

Each year, GCPS collects feedback from our families about their children's school as part of our commitment to improvement. This year, the school district is partnering with the Center for Educational Effectiveness to give Educational Effectiveness Surveys (EES) that provide feedback on nine characteristics of high-performing schools. Those characteristics are:

• A clear and shared focus

• High standards and expectations for all students

• Frequent monitoring of learning and teaching

• Supportive learning environment

• High levels of family and community involvement

• EES Students Surveys for Simpson Elementary will be administered to students in grades 3-5 on Wednesday, February 19th, during their connection.

• How to access the survey:

• Student Survey & Wellness Screener: Students in Grades 3-12 will see the link in their student portal. Note: students who opt-out will not see the link.
• Family Survey: Families will receive a ParentSquare message with the anonymous link.

• Where to find more information:

• Click HERE for additional resources such as the EES Survey Information for Schools and flyers that can be shared with families.
• Visit the public GCPS survey page for general information: https://www.gcpsk12.org/families/surveys

The United States observes Black History Month during the month of February to reflect on the history, cultures, and contributions of African Americans. In 1926, Carter G. Woodson established a week to celebrate the history of African Americans that coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The week was expanded into a month-long celebration in February of 1976 and remains that way today. The Social Studies Office has curated links to resources and created mini-tasks to celebrate Black History Month. Please click HERE for details.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bz3Jv6jGe1pA0KaWBUk_tftqg5ox6pluN40L_Da2ZI4/edit

Black History Month Lessons taking place during connections here at Simpson:

• Simpson News Network (SNN) Morning Announcements of African Americans who made a contribution to society

• CS: Featuring famous Black Computer Scientists and Inventors in CS classroom

• Art: Classes are learning about black artists like Alma Thomas and David Drake. Students are creating art based on these artist's styles and the work will be displayed in the art gallery in February.

• Music: Featuring different musicians throughout music classes (including Ella Fitzgerald and Ella Jenkins in Kindergarten/Stevie Wonder and Motown in 2nd grade); 5th grade is learning about African American musical traditions including spirituals and protest songs.

• Spanish: Will have lessons about Afro-Latinos in History.

• Health: Classes are learning about Wilma Rudolph, an African American Olympic Gold Medalist and Elementary School Teacher who overcame many barriers to her physical health as a baby and young child through her perseverance and determination.

Please see the attachment for details.

To celebrate the New Year, the PBIS store has been having a sale for students to redeem their Starbucks.

Implementing PBIS at your home can help your child maintain and understand behavioral expectations. Appropriate behaviors at home and school transfer back and forth. Focusing on positive reinforcement will encourage your child to reach for more positives through proper behavior.

To truly change a behavior, appropriate behavior must be:

• Taught

• Modeled

• Practiced

• Acknowledged

The Good Egg book collection, written by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald, follows the story of a kind and conscientious egg who is determined to always do the right thing, no matter the cost. As he navigates a world filled with challenges and difficult choices, readers are taken on a journey that explores important themes such as self-care, self-acceptance, and the power of forgiveness.

This book collection is an entertaining and inspiring series focused on the journey of self-growth and self-awareness. The lovable main character is a relatable role model for young readers, teaching them important life lessons about compassion, empathy, and personal responsibility.

According to the US News Report for 2025, Simpson Elementary School is ranked #6 as one of the BEST Elementary Schools in the State of Georgia. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare their students for high school. Simpson is ranked as:

• #1 in Gwinnett County Public Schools

• #5 in the State of Georgia

• https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/georgia/simpson-elementary-school-223330

Congratulations! Courtney Norris on winning the School Spelling Bee. All of our participants did a great job!

Category 1: Buzzing Gardens

1: Ansley LF & Katherine F.

2: Evelyn A. & Sameeha D.

3: Lana G.

Category 2: Pedal Power

1: Illyria G. & Lochlan S.

2:Quentin N.

Category 3: Move and Groove

1: Evan M., Jack VD, & Emmett K.

2: Brynn DB & Elle M.

3: Emma W. & Lydia P.

Category 4: Safe & Sound

1: Brendan W. & Truson O.

2: Camden M. & Joseph E.

3: Ellie S.

Category 5: Community Helpers

1: Walker J.

2: Maggie T., Avery BM, and Courtney N.

3: Maggie SB & Julia S.

Category 6: Alternative Energy

1: Clark N. & Noah A.

2: Wilson H. & Isaiah A.

3: James Z., Evan Z., & Ausin G.

Category 7: Computer Science Solutions

1: Eithan H, & Azlan J.

2: Abigail F. & Claire D.

3: Aurelia AS & Ariah B.

Category 8: Student Choice

1: Azumi D.

2: Lydia S. & Ella H.

3: Mackenzie M & S.ydney P.

Students Proceeding to GCPS STEM Fair:

Azumi D.

Clark N. & Noah A.

Evan M., Jack VD, & Emmett K.

Ansley LF & Katherine F.

Simpson is excited to offer an opportunity for parents with children ages birth to five!

We are so blessed to have one of our veteran, retired, and former Simpson Kindergarten Teachers, Ms. Sharon Terry! Once again she will be our Play2Learn instructor during the 24-25 SY. Therefore, please help us spread the good news to all of your family and friends, who may have children in this age range to call the school for additional information. Want to learn more about how to be your child's best teacher through PLAY? Simpson Elementary is offering the GCPS from Birth-To-FIVE Program for you and your child!

Little Learners Academy for children birth through five years old will meet on the third Tuesday of each month from 5-6pm. Come join the fun of learning!

February 18th

March 18th

April 15th

Students will have the opportunity to purchase ice cream from a variety of selections during lunch. Ice cream is $1.00 and will be sold Monday/Wednesday/Friday for all grade levels. Class Parties for ice cream sales are also available. Please email your child’s homeroom teacher for details.

GOOD NEWS CLUB

2nd-5th Graders

Mondays October 28- March 31,2025

Meeting after school with car pick-up at 5:00

Students who are in GASP will be escorted back at 5:00

Meeting in the Media/Library Room

FREE However, donations are welcome

Register on line www.goodnewsclubgwinnett.org/student/registration (Limited Enrollment)

Club activities include; Snacks, Interactive Bible Stories, Memory Verses,, Active Games, Lively Songs.

The Club emphasizes Biblical Principles, character qualities, respect for authority and moral values.

There is a Treasure Box of toy rewards, Surprises and lots of laughter and fun.

Leaders are specially trained Christians, concerned for the spiritual life of your child.

For Questions…Contact Cathy Hicks- Coordinator hm. 770 447 0540

jchicks@thejrg.net

GCPS will continue to follow guidelines as it relate to safety & security by visitors producing identification when inside the vestibule to check out students (as well as during visiting lunch hours).

In addition, we will continue to follow safety guidelines to minimize the risk of infection and/or spread of COVID-19. Therefore, if anyone in your household becomes sick and has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact our school nurse, Amy Norris, and/or your homeroom teacher immediately.

Principal- Dr. Taffeta Connery

Assistant Principal- Ms. Brandy Bosak, Grades 1st, 3rd, & 5th

Assistant Principal- Ms. Jeanette Johnson, Grades K, 2nd, & 4th

Assistant Principal- Ms. Stephanie Wells, Special Needs & Connections

Counselors:

Sheri Terry

Nicole Faulstich

School Hours

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:15 PM

• All visitors must check in at the welcome desk and please be prepared to provide some form of identification upon request.
  

Students should arrive between 8:20 AM- 8:50 AM

Morning announcements and tardy bell rings at 8:50 AM

Dismissal bell rings at 3:20 PM

• If you are checking out your child early from school, please do so on or before 2:45 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!

Please click here to join the PTA for the 2024-2025 School Year!

Did you know that becoming a PTA member does not require you to volunteer?

Your memberships have an enormous impact! Simpson PTA sponsors and coordinates over 30 programs each school year.

Visit our website and join our PTA Facebook page to stay connected!

Click here to purchase!

Support from the businesses in our local community is critical in the PTA's success in providing enriching (and fun!) experiences and programs to our Superstar students and staff.

To learn more about partnering with our PTA, please visit our website and/or

contact our Business Partners Chair, Heather Reich, businesspartners@simpsonespta.org