THE NORCROSS ELEMENTARY EAGLE

Dear Families,

Can you believe it? We are down to the final 30 school days of the year! As we approach the finish line, it’s important to keep up the momentum to ensure a successful end to the school year for all our students.

Here’s how you can help your child make these last days count:

• Stay Focused: Encourage your child to remain committed to their learning and maintain their study habits. Every day is an opportunity to grow and achieve.

• Be Present: Attendance matters now more than ever. Let's make every school day count!

• Support Goals: Talk to your child about their personal goals for the remainder of the year and celebrate their progress.

• Finish Strong Together: A positive attitude and encouragement can help your child end the year with pride and confidence.

We are so proud of everything our students have accomplished so far, and we’re excited to see them shine as we wrap up the year together. If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. Together, let’s make these final weeks a time of growth and success for our students!

Thank you for all YOU DO!

#NorcrossStrong

Sincerely,

Dr. Kassia Sutton

Proud Principal of Norcross Elementary

Every year, we ask parents and guardians to complete and send back dozens of important forms and permission slips. We are pleased to share that your back-to-school forms that were previously in MyPaymentsPlus are now in ParentSquare!

Action: If you have not signed the agreements, please use the button with the link below to complete the forms.

On Monday, March 31, our students participated in the Special Olympics at Norcross High School.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Those activities give them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.

We had a packed house at Montage on Monday, March 31. Our students showcased amazing work.

Families, thank you for joining us.

Fourth grader, Kinsley White, and second grader, John Reyes, traveled to the State Capitol with their families, Ms. LePage, and Ms. Adamczyk. Both John and Kinsley received two honors on March 12. The first was an award certificate from the Georgia Art Education Association, along with recognition from State Superintendent Richard Woods, for having artwork selected into the Capitol Art Exhibit. The second honor was House Resolution 501 (for John) and House Resolution 519 (for Kinsley) given by State Representative Beckles. She read the resolutions to our artists and gifted them with framed copies. These young artists earned groundbreaking recognition for themselves, their families and our community. We are incredibly proud of them!

Norcross Elementary artists have work on display at the Norcross Public Library. The artwork celebrates Youth Art Month and demonstrates the diverse talents and abilities of our students. It will be on display until April 30th so when you visit the library to view it, please take a selfie and post with #YAM25GA! Huge congratulations to the following artists:

Usman Okelade

Aria Gadson

Ruby Aguilar Reyes

Nohemi Gonzalez

Arianna Martinez

Angel Rodriguez de Leon

Isabella Garcia Ramirez

Ivan Soto

Ayanna Mwangi

Jackson White

Jarely Vazquez

Paola Munoz

Angela Nguyen

Kyle Krafick

Ilan Bouraima

Dylan Green

Aileen Lara Martinez

Luis Balcazar

Ryan Nguyen

David Lopez Rubio

Yener Mendez Vicente

Steven Guevara Martinez

Aishah Rashid

Olivia Vasquez Mendez

Katie Santizo

Valeria Morales-Fonseca

Nihal Ali Baez

Fabian Azurdia Juarez

Jaylee Vargas Zelaya

April 2 - 5th Grade Trip to Summerour Middle School

April 3 -Dr. Gresham, cluster superintendent, visits

April 4 - Fire drill

April 5-13 SPRING BREAK

April 14 - Return to School

April 15 - High touch -tech on campus field trip for 1st grade

April 16 - High touch tech on campus field trip for 1st Grade

April 17 - Kindergarten Transition Meeting/GMAS Pep Rally for 3rd - 5th Grade during specials/High touch-tech on campus field trip for 2nd grade

April 18 - High touch-tech on campus field trip for 2nd grade

April 21 - GMAS testing/High touch-tech Kindergarten

April 22 - GMAS testing/High touch-tech Kindergarten

April 23 - GMAS testing/2nd grade field trip

April 24 - Little Learner's Academy at 4:30

April 25 - Progress Reports sent home/Student of the Month/Glow Party/Food Pantry/Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast & Title 1 Planning Meeting

April 28 - GMAS testing

April 29 - GMAS testing

April 30 - GMAS testing/K & 1 Field Day

IReady Testing Window 4/28 - 5/21

Please join us for the Title 1 Planning Meeting on Friday, April 25 at 10:30. We would love your feedback.

Spring is a season of newness. The flowers bloom, the sun shines, and the birds chirp happily. This month is National Month of Hope and Stress Awareness, and what time to embrace hope and bring stress levels down. Performing random acts of kindness, connecting with your community, and cultivating positivity through affirmations are excellent ways for you and your family to increase hope and decrease stress. Each week has different activities you and your family can do together to uplift one another and others. Click the links below to learn more information.

Week One: Cultivate positivity by having your family say a positive affirmation each day.

Week Two: Perform a random act of kindness for others as a family.

Week Three: Connect with your community by hosting an event to spread hope and positivity with your family.

Week Four: Choose a daily stress-reducing activity to do with your family.

Enjoy this time of renewal with your family!

If you want more information on increasing hope and decreasing stress, click HERE.

The Georgia Milestones Assessment System is a comprehensive assessment system spanning grades 3 through high school. Georgia Milestones measures how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Students in grades 3 through 8 take End-of-Grade (EOG) assessments in English language arts and mathematics. Students in grades 5 and 8 take the EOG assessment in science, and students in grade 8 take the EOG assessment in social studies. High school or middle school students enrolled in courses designated by the State Board of Education take End-of-Course (EOC) assessments.

Georgia Milestones is designed to provide students with information about their achievement and their readiness for their next level of learning – be it the next grade, the next course, or postsecondary endeavor. Parents, schools and districts, the public, and policy makers can use the results to monitor progress and support the improvement of Georgia's education system.

As we approach the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) testing period, we want to stress the critical role that attendance plays in your child's success. The GMAS tests are designed to measure student progress and provide valuable insights into their academic growth.

Regular attendance ensures your child is present to learn, engage, and perform their best during the assessments. Missing these sessions may impact their overall results and could require additional make-up testing, which can disrupt their learning routine.

Here’s how you can support your child during this important time:

• Ensure Consistent Attendance: Make arrangements to avoid absences, late arrivals, or early checkouts during testing days.

• Provide Encouragement: A positive mindset can make a big difference. Encourage your child to approach the tests with confidence.

• Rest and Nutrition: A good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast will help them stay focused and energized.

We appreciate your partnership in helping your child succeed. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Contacia Cross or Dr. Kassia Sutton.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, or other electronic devices are

NOT allowed in the testing room.

May 1: 2 & 3 Field Day

May 2: 4 & 5 Field Day

May 5: Fire drill

May 8: Kindergarten Spring Ceremony/ESOL Exit Ceremony at 2:30pm

May 15: 5th Grade Award Ceremony

May 16: PBIS EOY Party

May 19: End of the Year Classroom parties

May 20: 5th grade picnic

May 21: Last Day of school for students

Celebrate your teacher with notes, flowers, and sweet treats.

Andrea Eberhart and Dr. Latonya Parker are our instructional coaches. Their role includes supporting teachers and students. Ms. Eberhart and Dr. Parker also plan and facilitate our LEVEL UP READING PROGRAM.

Our Level Up Reading Program is kicking off.

Below open the attachment for news from the Parent Center.

Use the link below for media center news.

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

To implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at home using positive reinforcement, establish clear expectations, teach desired behaviors, provide consistent positive feedback and rewards, and create a positive and supportive environment.

1. Define and Communicate Expectations

1. Family Meetings

2. Clear Language

3. Visual Aids

2. Teach and Model Desired Behaviors

1. Role Modeling

2. Teach Social Skills

3. Practice and Provide Feedback

3. Implement Positive Reinforcement

1. Recognize and Praise

2. Intangible Rewards (extra play time, choose a meal)

3. Consistency

4. Immediate Feedback

4. Create a Positive Environment

1. Positive Atmosphere

2. Encourage Independence

3. Celebrate Successes

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

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

Dr. Fain is our PBIS Coach.

christi.fain@gcpsk12.org

We know that families want easy access and one go-to location for need-to-know information about their student’s education—from records to resources. The ParentVUE app gives parents access to grades, assignments, and more.

Student information is only as helpful as it is current. That’s why parents can count on always seeing up-to-the-minute information.

• Everything in One Place - Access student information in a single location, including student information, grade book data, discipline, report cards, transcripts, calendars, and more.
• Class Schedule - Check your student’s schedule for course titles, teacher names, and room assignments.
• Grades and Assignment Scores - Check performance immediately to learn about missing assignments and whether your student is on track academically or needs extra help.
• Course History - View final grades for all grade levels and use easy-to-read graphics to track progress toward graduation for high school students.
• Customizable Grade Alerts - Opt-in to get mobile notifications about student grades and overall class averages.
• Fees - Find fees that are owed and what textbook/library books are checked out by your student.

Click here to read more about Parent Vue

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

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.

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, Altavise Walker altavise.walker@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

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 activities may include: working in the media center, laminating materials, counting out documents, cutting, and filing. Please contact Eduardina Checo (eduardina.checo@gcpsk12.org) for volunteer opportunities.

September Family Newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/dsvag

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.