Knightly News
March 8, 2024
Every Student, Every Day Deserves to Learn, Lead, & Excel!
Message from our Principal~ Ms. Tamara Perkins
The Simonton ES PTA will host a spirit night at Stevie B's Pizza on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Everyone is welcome to come with their families. Be sure to mention Simonton ES when you make your purchase and a portion will be donated back to the school.
Next Friday, March 15, 2024 Gwinnett County Public Schools will hold the last Digital Learning Day. All students will bring home their devices to work on assignments at home. Computers are expected to be brought back to school on Monday, March 18, 2024.
Family Educational Effectiveness Survey
Subject: GCPS Educational Effectiveness Surveys: Opportunity to Participate in Family Survey Each year, GCPS collects feedback from our families about their child'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
• Effective school leadership
• Strong communication and opportunities to work together
• What we teach, how we teach, and how learning is aligned with state standards
• Frequent monitoring of learning and teaching
• Focused professional development
• Supportive learning environment
• High levels of family and community involvement
In addition, the survey asks about two other areas associated with high-performing schools- district support for improvement and respect for diverse cultures and backgrounds.
The survey will be available for you to complete through Friday, March 8. We hope you will lend your voice to making Gwinnett County Public Schools the best it can be for our students.
Medication
Students may NOT carry medication of any kind to school. For student safety, we need to be aware of the medication and dosage in case there are any adverse reactions. The clinic worker is authorized to administer medications to students when proper paperwork is completed. Medications should always be in the original containers when brought to or picked up from school by an adult. Medication may not be brought to school by a student. These procedures are a safety precaution for your child, both on the bus and when they visit the clinic. Parents should inform the school if their child has a contagious disease.
GCPS Area Board Meetings
Please find the dates and locations for our upcoming Area Board meetings below. All meetings will be held in the theatre.
Meet and Greet begins at 6:30 p.m./Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
March 12 – District III (Dr. Mary Kay Murphy) – Duluth HS
March 14 – District IV (Dr. Adrienne Simmons) – Shiloh HS
March 19 – District V (Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan) – Meadowcreek HS
March 26 – District I (Karen Watkins) – Grayson HS
April 8 – District II (Steve Knudsen) – Mill Creek HS (Simonton's District)
Welcome Officer Martin
We have a new staff member at Simonton ES! Join us in officially welcoming School Resource Officer (SRO) Daniel Martin to Simonton ES. SRO Martin is a familiar face and has been assigned to support the elementary schools in the Central Gwinnett cluster. His main office will be located here at Simonton ES.
Our goal is to reinforce a positive relationship between our students, our school community, and SRO Martin. He will continue to be available to read to classes, support career lessons, and respond to emergencies at all schools as needed.
Simonton ES Local School Council
We invite parents to join us for our Simonton ES Local School Council meeting. Local School Council meetings will be held four times during the school year. Meetings will take place in person at the local school.
The purpose of the Council is three-fold:
I. To help the local board of education develop and nurture participation.
II. 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.
III. To share ideas for school improvement.
Meeting Dates: March 22, 2024 and May 3, 2024
Meeting Time: 9:00 am
Location: Simonton ES
Our next meeting will take place on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 9:00 am.
Draft Agenda Items
Welcome/Introductions
Early Intervention Program
- Simonton ES Strategic Goals
- Simonton Celebrating 30 years
- Simonton ES Student Enrollment
- Simonton ES Safety Plan
- Simonton ES Discipline Report
- Central Gwinnett School of the Arts
- Simonton ES Title I Budget
Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Family Night
The Office of Family Engagement in the Department of Federal Programs invites all families of students in grades 6- 12 to join the “Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS) Family Night” led by Shea English, Assistant Director of the Office of Behavior Supports and Interventions on March 19th from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
During this session, GCPS families of students in grades K - 12 will receive information about the definition of PBIS, PBIS Components, and How families can help connect with schools and use PBIS at home.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: Registration link
Interpretation provided in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese
Upcoming Events at Simonton
Saturday, March 9
- Saturday Intervention Program ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Wednesday, March 13
- Adult ESOL Classes with Mrs. Saha ~ 10:00-11:00 am
- Central Gwinnett Cluster Tapestry Exhibit at ISC
Thursday, March 14
- PTA Spirit Night at Stevie B's ~ 5:00-8:00 pm
Friday, March 15
- Digital Learning Day #4
Saturday, March 16
- Saturday Intervention Program ~ 9:00-11:00 am
- GAGE Saturday Exploration Program ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Wednesday, March 20
- Adult ESOL Classes with Mrs. Saha ~ 10:00-11:00 am
- International Night ~ 5:30- 7:00 pm
Friday, March 22
- Local School Council ~ 9:00-10:00 am
- 5th Grade Field Trip
Saturday, March 23
- GAGE Saturday Exploration Program ~ 9:00-11:00 am
- SES Chorus to Kennesaw University
Monday, March 25
- Soring Individual and Class Pictures
Wednesday, March 27
- Jordan MS visit for 5th graders
- Adult ESOL Classes with Mrs. Saha ~ 10:00-11:00 am
Thursday, March 28
- PTA BINGO Night ~ 5:00 -8:00 pm
Friday, March 29
- PE Fundraiser ~ Hat Day
Monday, April 1- Friday, April 5
- Spring Break
Field Day Shirts
Field day t-shirts are now available for pre-order through MyPaymentsPlus or by returning the flyer to Coach Cheney with payment.
The shirts will be available in 6 different colors...one for each grade level.
**Colors have not been determined yet.
Parent Mentors Present: “Planning for an Engaging Summer Break”
Who: Parents/Guardians of students receiving Special Education services
What: Parent Mentors Present: “Planning for an Engaging Summer Break”
When: Tuesday, March 19, 10:00 – 11:30 AM or 6:00 -7:30 PM
Where: In-Person registration link for 10:00am session: https://forms.gle/tJhvHVf2HKzdu4CA7
Zoom registration link for 6pm session: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYlf-6rqjwiHt2Nz09we1uIJ1Cu5qnm-5h9
Good News Club
Ready By 5
Simonton ES Handbook Highlights
Snacks
Students may bring a nutritious snack to school. In compliance with state standards, students are not to bring food from “fast food” restaurants. This includes carbonated drinks such as sodas.
Student Conduct
Our students are citizens of our school community. All students deserve a positive and orderly environment for learning. In order to achieve this, Simonton students have clear expectations for behavior and school rules that are consistent with the district supported Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Program as well as the GCPS Board's Theory of Action for Change to Improve Student Behavior and Outcomes..
The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Program is a research-based framework proven to provide practices and strategies for all students to increase academic performance, improve safety, decrease problem behavior, and establish a positive school culture. Students are encouraged to solve problems by taking responsibility for their actions, the consequences that result, and to develop plans of action that demonstrate positive ways to address difficult situations. Students that successfully follow Simonton behavior expectations will participate in school recognition and reward programs throughout the year. Ultimately, our goal is for Simonton students to develop into responsible, respectful and supportive
CONSEQUENCES OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR INFRACTIONS -
Simonton administrators have broad discretion to determine consequences for student behavior infractions. While students are expected to be held accountable for their actions, they will also complete Simonton ES Action Plans and may be required to participate in Restorative Conversations to reflect on behavior choices and the impact on others. The range of consequences for infractions assigned by a local school administrator may include, without limitation:
In addition to the information provided above, parents will receive a copy of the GCPS Handbook Information for Students and Parents in July that outlines the code of conduct to be followed by all students to ensure a safe, secure and orderly environment in which to learn.
* A student will be placed on the Accelerated Plan after a Simonton ES Action Plan has been completed or a previous discipline referral has been made. Student violation of a GCPS Discipline code would also warrant being moved to the Accelerated Plan.
From our Counselors...
Information for Parents: New Resource for K-5 English Language Arts
Ice Cream for Sale
This year's ice cream selections can be seen in the picture to the side:
The application for free and reduced lunch is now available. There will be no waiver in place to offer free lunch for all students. Please complete the application if you feel this is a service your family will need. All students who have not been approved for free or reduced lunch service will be charged the full price each day.
Free and Reduced Lunch Application
https://www.nlappscloud.com/Welcome.aspx?api=78f8fee54716f21218e523747d37a13c
Clinic Card
Does your child have a medical concern that we need to be aware of? Stop in to see Mrs. Tammy Jones in the clinic.
Complete the clinic card if your child has any medical concerns that we need to be aware of. We also need to know any medication your child is taking and directions of what to do while we are caring for your child until you arrive.
ParentSquare
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
District & 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).
MyPaymentsPlus
We encourage all families to create a MPP account. No purchase is necessary to have a MPP account. You will be able to read and digitally sign documents and/or make necessary payments. It is a great way for you to manage and keep track of all of your student payments and forms in one place throughout the school year.
MyPaymentsPlus is linked directly to your school’s student information system (SIS), enabling us to show real-time balances and invoices, and eliminating the need to call or visit your school in search of information.
Whether you’re viewing what your 2nd grader ate for lunch, renting a locker for your middle schooler, or purchasing a parking permit for that new driver in your family, MyPaymentsPlus ensures you never miss a beat, from Pre-K to graduation day.
Simply create a free MyPaymentsPlus account to get started today.
Elementary e-Tips for Parents
Talk about ways your child can handle anger
Feeling angry sometimes is normal. But children need to learn appropriate ways to express their anger. Teach your elementary schooler coping strategies to use when feeling angry, such as taking deep breaths. Also, encourage your child to think for a minute before saying anything, or to get away from the situation until calm feelings return. Discuss appropriate actions in different situations: Your student can walk away or tell an adult when being teased, for example. https://tpitip.com/?14cK18608
A few extra minutes can make a big difference
Often, children with poor study habits don't change them because they don't believe that a little extra effort can go a long way. To get the idea across, try having your child study one subject for 15 minutes longer than usual each day. Your student might use the time to rework math problems from class or make up a sample test, for example. Then, watch how this small extra effort affects progress and grades in that subject. https://tpitip.com/?14cL18608
D is for your child's own dictionary
To boost literacy skills, help your child make a personal dictionary. Write a letter of the alphabet on a sheet of paper. Next, ask your child to cut out pictures from ads or old magazines of items that begin with that letter, and paste them to the sheet. Help your child label the pictures. Then, pick another letter! This is a long-term project, so if it stops being fun, stop and come back to it another day. https://tpitip.com/?14cM18608
Put your child's creativity on display
When you display your elementary schooler’s artwork, it encourages further creativity. Putting art on the refrigerator is great, but why not go a step beyond? Try matting and framing a piece of your child's art that is particularly creative. Let your child help you use an inexpensive ready-made mat and frame, then hang the masterpiece for all to see. Or use a copier to duplicate the art so your child can share it with family and friends. https://tpitip.com/?14cN18608
Get help if schoolwork is a constant challenge
If your child is struggling day after day with schoolwork, contact the teacher. Explain what is happening and ask for suggestions. Your child might need extra help from a tutor or a schedule to make up missed assignments. Your student may need more challenging work or help with English or technological issues. Work with the teacher on a plan to address the issue, then follow up. https://tpitip.com/?14cO18608
Encourage persistence, step by step
It takes persistence to achieve long-term goals. Learning to break those goals down into small steps can help your child keep going. To encourage persistence, help your child think of each step as an experience that adds to knowledge. When a step isn't fun, help your student plan a small reward for finishing it, such as listening to a favorite song. Then, mark your child’s progress with visual reminders, such as stickers on a chart. https://tpitip.com/?14cP18608
Praise specific behavior you want to see again
The best praise is specific. Just saying "You're wonderful," won't always make children feel good about themselves. Instead, try talking about things your child has done especially well. You might say things like, "You really stuck with that math work. I love your persistence" or "You cleaned your room without my asking. That was very responsible." https://tpitip.com/?14cQ18608
SIMONTON ELEMENTARY- WHAT WE STAND FOR
Vision
Simonton is committed to dynamic high quality instruction resulting in a passion for learning, leading and excelling.
Core Belief
Every Student Every Day, Deserves to Learn, Lead, and Excel
Commitments
We commit to giving our students a fresh start every day.
We commit to preparing quality and engaging lessons that will prepare our students to be successful in school.
We commit to teaching, modeling and holding our students accountable for appropriate school behavior.
We commit to providing our students with a structured and safe learning environment.
We commit to a great year of learning, leading, and excelling
Simonton Elementary School
Superintendent ~ Dr. Calvin J. Watts
Board Member ~ Mr. Steven B. Knudsen
Principal ~ Ms. Tamara G. Perkins
Assistant Principal ~ Mr. Nicholas Gilmore
Assistant Principal ~ Dr. Joe Sanfilippo
Assistant Principal ~ Mrs. Amy Steinberg
Website: gcpsk12.org/SimontonES
Location: 275 Simonton Road Southeast, Lawrenceville, GA, USA
Phone: 770-513-6637
Twitter: @simontonPride
Instagram: @SimontonPride