HAWK TALK
Friday, September 20, 2024
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
October 11: Fall Picture Day
October 14-16: No school for students (fall break)
October 24: Parent University: Technology 5:45 PM (DATE CHANGE)
School Hours and Important Times
Office Hours: 8:15 - 4:15
Instructional Hours: 8:55-4:05
Breakfast: 8:25 - 8:55 AM
Students should be in class by 8:50 AM.
Dismissal is at 4:05 PM.
Walkers/Car riders are dismissed first, followed by bus riders.
Bus students are dismissed in the order that buses arrive.
Car line: Students must enter/exit a vehicle at the sidewalk area. Please pull forward as far as possible to keep the car line moving. All students must be picked up by 4:25 PM.
REPORT, don't REPOST!
“Report, Don’t Repost” aims to help students and families to understand the importance of reporting threats seen on social media, rather than reposting them. In today's digital age, harmful content can spread quickly, creating panic and confusion. By encouraging our community to report threats directly to local authorities or use our anonymous tip line, simultaneously helping to prevent the spread of misinformation. Students also need to understand passing along threats online slows down police investigations and could result in charges to them.
- If you see or hear a threat on social media, report it to local authorities immediately.
- You can also Report a Safety Concern anonymously at www.fultonschools.org/tipline.
- Do not post on social media where it can cause confusion and put you at risk.
Canvas Parent Observer Accounts
We are proud to launch the Canvas learning management system in middle school this year. At this time, all teachers should have set up and published a Canvas page for each class. Not all assignments will be posted in Canvas, but this will be a central location for class resources and teacher communication.
How can a Parent/Guardian setup an observer account for Canvas?
The observer role is given to parents, family members or guardians to give them visibility into the student's Canvas courses. Family members and guardians can set up an observer account and pair it with student account(s) using a student pairing code. Once the observer is paired with their student(s) they will be able to see the courses that those student(s) are in. There is also a Canvas Parent app that can be set up on your phone.
Please visit the FCS Canvas Page to access step-by-step directions to generate the parent code. Directions are available in English, Spanish, Hindi, Korean, and Chinese.
September Student Attendance Incentives
September is Attendance Awareness month (see more in next section) and we are offering students the opportunity to win one of three $25 gift cards!
Beginning this week, we will raffle off one $25 gift card per week through the end of the month. Students are eligible to win if they had perfect attendance for that week. The raffle will be every Friday afternoon.
Congratulations to Tristan Morris, 7th grade, for winning this week's raffle!
Did you know that students are eligible to use up to 5 Participate Remotely days per semester? These days do not count against a student's attendance record. Email your grade level administrator to request dates in advance (see "Who can I contact for help" at the bottom of the newsletter).
FCS Digital Citizenship Learning Journey
This week, our students continued their FCS Digital Citizenship learning journey by diving into the concept of digital drama and learning how to avoid and de-escalate online drama. They also discussed ways to be a positive contributor to our online communities and how to be an upstander instead of a bystander when they notice people being treated in unkind ways online. Check out the attached PDFs from CommonSense Media for talking points and tips to discuss with your child at home when approaching the subjects of online bullying, making a positive difference in digital spaces, and how to interact appropriately while on the internet, social media, or gaming platforms.
September is Attendance Awareness Month!
Positive school attendance helps students to stay engaged in learning. Attending school regularly allows students to participate in discussions, hands-on projects, and collaborative activities that enrich their learning experiences. Each student’s active engagement in learning shapes their individual educational journey.
Positive school attendance is directly connected to increased student engagement.
1. Building a Supportive Community: Encouraging your child to attend school regularly becomes easier when they feel a sense of belonging within the school community.
2. Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledging your child's successes, both academically and personally, can significantly boost their motivation to attend school.
3. Engaging Learning Experiences: An engaging classroom environment plays a pivotal role in motivating students to attend school regularly. Support teachers in their efforts to create interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and discussions that spark your child's curiosity.
4. Involvement in Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities offer students a chance to explore their interests beyond the classroom. Encourage your child to participate in clubs, sports, arts, or other activities that align with their passions. The excitement of these extracurriculars can motivate them to attend school consistently.
5. Recognizing Improvement: If your child has struggled with attendance in the past, celebrate their efforts to improve. Recognize their progress and emphasize the positive impact regular attendance can have on their academic journey.
Remember, your involvement as parents and guardians is an essential factor in creating a positive and engaging school environment. Together, we can foster an atmosphere where students are excited to come to school, engage in learning, and build a foundation for a successful future.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in ensuring the success of your child's education.
For more information on FCS attendance policies please visit the FCS Attendance Matters Website or reach out to our school social worker, Kasey Vermilya, 404-791-2238 or vermilyak1@fultonschools.org
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
8TH GRADE PARENTS
Please Support our PTA!
Click here to join the PTA for just $10. You can also use this site to get information about being a volunteer, dontate the Hawk Fund, and become a community partner.
Who can I contact for help?
Kim Kapella, Assistant Principal, 6th Grade administrator
470-254-8422
Hannah Milligan, 6th grade counselor
470-254-8425
7th Grade:
Kenneth Greene, Assistant Principal, 7th grade administrator
470-254-2423
Hannah Milligan, 7th grade counselor - GIRLS
470-254-8425
Glenn Johnson, 7th grade counselor - BOYS
470-254-8424
8th Grade:
Jennifer Cassidy, Principal, 8th grade administrator
470-254-5285
Glenn Johnson, 8th grade counselor
470-254-8424
Student Records/Enrollments/Withdrawals/Immunizations:
Ansel Comer (bilingual - Spanish)
470-254-8428
Bilingual Parent Liaison (Spanish):
Maria Baron
470-254-8427
Front Office - Attendance/Absence Excuses:
Sarah James
470-254-5280
Clinic (Bilingual/Spanish)
Lina Nava
470-254-8438
navadeparral@fultonschools.org
Special Education Services
Leslie Mason
470-254-8444
Holcomb Bridge Middle School
Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/holcombbridgems
Location: 2700 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA, USA
Phone: 470-254-5280
Twitter: @HolcombBridgeMS