The Corley Cheer

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Greetings Corley Community!

May has arrived! It's always a delight to see so many of you throughout the school year. Parental engagement remains a crucial factor in students' academic progress, and we deeply appreciate your continued support. Our Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) State Assessment is ongoing and will conclude on May 10th. We eagerly anticipate our 3rd-5th grade students showcasing their learning during this assessment.

In the month of May, we cherish numerous delightful memories, including Teacher Appreciation. Another set of letters has been sent home with our Corley Scholars. We encourage you to collaborate with your students in writing letters to their teacher(s) and any other Corley staff member to express their gratitude. We are immensely thankful for our teachers and staff!

Thank you again for being such a supportive community for our Corley Scholars. Please read the Community Corley Cheer below and we can't wait to see you soon.

Corley Administrative Team

Mrs. Hollace Ervin- Special Education Services and Specials

Mrs. Tammy Knox- Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESOL Services

Mrs. Morgan Mendieta Hudson- 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, and ESOL Services

Mr. Gregory Jackson- 4th Grade and 5th Grade

Proud to be your principal,

Mrs. Aleshia Duckworth

Did you know that May 1st is National School Principals' Day? It's the perfect time to recognize our amazing leader, Principal Duckworth.

Mrs. Duckworth does so much more than just run the school – she wears many hats! From ensuring a top-notch curriculum to keeping everyone safe and happy, she's the backbone of our Corley community. She supports our teachers, celebrates our students' successes, and tackles whatever challenges come our way.

Let's show Principal Duckworth how much we appreciate her! Students can write a heartfelt thank-you note or create a card expressing their gratitude. Families can send an email or leave a message thanking Principal Duckworth for her dedication to Corley.

Together, let's make Principal Duckworth feel valued and appreciated!

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing

Set sail for adventure! In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, Corley is taking students on a whirlwind tour of diverse Asian and Pacific Island cultures. Each morning during the news show, students will embark on a journey to a different country, learning about its unique traditions and customs. The Media Center will also join the fun with a variety of engaging activities, and students can take home a craft exploring elephants in Chinese art. We encourage all students to participate and celebrate the rich tapestry of Asian and Pacific Islander heritages!

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

• Goal 2.B-Opportunity and Access.
• Goal 4.A-Preferred Education Destination

On Friday, May 3rd, we will celebrate School Lunch Hero Day, a national day dedicated to thanking the amazing team who fuels our students' success: our School Nutrition Program (SNP) Team at Corley Elementary!

Every day, the SNP Team works tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare nutritious and delicious meals that keep our kids energized throughout the school day. They navigate allergies, follow strict guidelines, and most importantly, do it all with a smile.

We want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to our SNP heroes for their dedication and hard work.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

• Goal 4.A-Preferred Education Destination
  

• Under state laws passed by the Georgia State Legislature, parents of students who receive special education services or accommodations under a Section 504 Individual Accommodation Plan may request to transfer their child to another public or private school in Georgia.
  

• This applies to any student who receives special education services, grades PK-11th and any returning 12th grader, and students eligible for a Section 504 Plan and in grades Kindergarten-11th.
  

• Information regarding the Georgia Special Needs Scholarships is accessible on the GCPS Department of Special Education and Psychological Services website.
  
  

  GCPS Blueprint for The Future

  • Goal 2.B-Opportunity and Access

Lights, Camera, Appreciation!

It's almost time to celebrate our incredible Corley staff! Get ready for Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, happening from May 6th to 10th, 2024. This year, we're rolling out the red carpet for a Hollywood-themed celebration!

Shine a Spotlight on Our Stars!

Keep an eye on your child's backpack! Students will be bringing home special "Fan Mail" postcards where they can write heartfelt messages of appreciation for any Corley staff member who makes a difference for them.

Here's How You Can Help:

• Encourage your child to complete their "Fan Mail" postcard with a note of thanks for a special staff member.
• Have them write their name clearly, along with the name of the staff member they are thanking.
• Look for a special mailbox set up in the front lobby. Students can drop off their completed postcards there.
  
  

Together, let's shower our amazing Corley staff with the appreciation they deserve!

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

• Goal 4.A-Preferred Education Destination
  

National School Nurse Day is coming up on Wednesday, May 8th! We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge our wonderful school clinic worker, Ms. Salter. Ms. Salter plays a vital role in keeping our students healthy and focused throughout the school day. From boo-boos to bumps in the road, she's there to provide care, comfort, and support. We appreciate Ms. Salter's dedication to the Corley Community!

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

The health and safety of the students entrusted to our care are of the highest priority here at Corley Elementary. This has been no less true amid the COVID pandemic, during which we have sought to carefully balance the interests of both student health and effective learning. Though the mask mandate has been lifted since February of 2022, we have continued to supply students with masks at their discretion.

While we appreciate and fully support whatever decisions that parents make for their students regarding whether to wear a face covering in school or not, once the few remaining masks that we have in stock have been distributed, we will no longer be able to provide them for students. This letter serves as notification so that you may prepare to make other arrangements. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

• Goal 2.B-Opportunity and Access.

Summer's almost here, but that doesn't mean their reading adventure has to end. Kids who read over the summer continue to build their vocabulary, reading skills, and knowledge. Stock up for sunny days with our BOGO Book Fair! Buy one book, get another book of equal or lesser value FREE. It's a steal you won't want to miss. May the pages be ever in your favor!

Media Center | May 7th-9th | 9am-3pm

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

• Goal 2.B-Opportunity and Access.
• Goal 4.A-Preferred Education Destination

As we approach the end of the school year, we also bid a bittersweet farewell to a beloved member of our Corley family – Assistant Principal Mrs. Knox. After 13 incredible years at Corley and a remarkable 30 years dedicated to education, Mrs. Knox has decided to embark on a well-deserved retirement.

For countless Corley students, Mrs. Knox has been a pillar of support, guidance, and encouragement. Her unwavering commitment to student success has left a lasting impact on our school community. Her knowledge, experience, and genuine care for each student have been invaluable assets to Corley.

We will miss Mrs. Knox' presence in the hallways and her positive influence in our school. However, we take comfort in knowing that she is following her dreams and wish her all the happiness in her retirement.

Thank you, Mrs. Knox, for your dedication and service to Corley! You will be deeply missed.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

Get ready to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our Corley community! Join us for International Night on Tuesday, May 14th from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This exciting event is a chance for families to celebrate diversity by coming together as a school community to appreciate the unique contributions each culture brings to our world.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

• Goal 2.B-Opportunity and Access.
• Goal 4.A-Preferred Education Destination

Bryson Park Youth Athletic Association (BPYAA) is partnering with Berkmar cluster schools to host a FREE family event. See the flyer below to learn more about Patriot Fun Day!
GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

• Goal 2.B-Opportunity and Access.
• Goal 4.A-Preferred Education Destination

Calling all Kindergarten Parents: Join us as we celebrate our amazing kindergarteners at their promotion ceremony! This is a special event to honor all of their hard work and growth throughout the year.

• Date: May 16
• Time: 1:00 PM
• Location: Corley Elementary School Gym

Additionally, parents are invited to participate in their child's class party which will take place in the classroom directly after the ceremony. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you and your child!

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

• Goal 2.B-Opportunity and Access.
• Goal 4.A-Preferred Education Destination

Attention 5th Grade Parents: We're excited to celebrate our graduating elementary students at the 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony!

• Date: Tuesday, May 21st
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Berkmar High School (Details about arrival below)

This ceremony marks a momentous transition for our students as they move on to middle school. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you and your family as we honor their achievements!

Here's a special note for our 5th grade families:

• Please arrive by 5:15 PM.
• Parking is available to the right near the gym, between the field house and the football field.
  
  

More details about the ceremony will be communicated by your child's teacher. In the meantime, save the date and join us as we celebrate our incredible 5th graders!

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

• Goal 2.B-Opportunity and Access.
• Goal 4.A-Preferred Education Destination

It's hard to believe, but the school year is winding down! To celebrate all the fun and learning we've shared, we're hosting end-of-year class parties for each grade level.

These parties are a fantastic opportunity for students to celebrate their achievements together and enjoy some end-of-year fun! We'd love for parents to join us for the festivities. More details will be coming soon. Here is what you need to know so far:

• May 16: Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony & Class Parties
• The Kindergarten promotion ceremony will take place in the Gym at 1:00 pm.
• Parents are invited to stay for classroom parties which will take place directly after the ceremony.
• May 20: 2nd & 4th Grade Class Parties
• 12:30-1:30 pm: 4th Grade
• 1:15-2:15 pm: 2nd Grade
• May 21: 1st & 3rd Grade Class Parties
• 12:30-1:30 pm: 3rd Grade
• 1:30-2:30 pm: 1st Grade
• May 22: 5th Grade Fun Day Picnic at 11:30 am
• Parents should arrive at 11:00 am to allow ample time for check-in procedures.
• Fun Day & Picnic will take place on the field (Gym if there is rainy weather), so students are encouraged to bring towels or picnic blankets to sit on.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.
• Goal 4.A-Preferred Education Destination
  

Wednesday, May 22, is the last day of the 2023-24 school year! We want to thank students, families, teachers, support staff, and our community for your hard work and dedication as we close out the school year. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer!

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

Just a friendly reminder that the school office will be operating on summer hours starting May 28th. Here's a quick rundown of the schedule:

• May 27th: Closed (Memorial Day)
• May 28th to June 7th: 8:00AM - 3:30PM
• Summer School (June 10th-28th): 7:30AM - 3:30PM (Closed on June 19th for Juneteenth)
• July 1st-5th: Closed (Independence Day)
• July 8th-18th (Monday-Thursday): 7:00AM - 3:30PM
  
  

Please note: Registration is by appointment only, please call to make an appointment. Additionally, withdrawals may take up to 24-48 hours to process. If you have any questions or need to reach us during these times, please don't hesitate to call the school office at 678-924-5330.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 2.B-Opportunity and Access.

The Gwinnett County Public Library will be conducting free eye exams (by appointment only) this summer. Here's what you need to know:

• Click Here, or scan the QR code below to see times & locations to schedule an appointment.
• Exams are only available for children ages 5-18 (Grade PreK-12). The eye exam will be about 20-30 minutes.
  
• Please arrive 10 min before your appointment to fill out paperwork. Please expect that the wait time may be up to 1 hour.
  
• Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
  
• If an appointment date and time is not available, please email georgia@visiontolearn.org to be added to the waitlist.
  
• Please note, if you are booking multiple kids, you will have to book an appointment for each child.
  

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 2.B-Opportunity and Access.

• Who: Families of students who are receiving special education services.
• What: Each state is required to conduct a parent survey to measure parent/family perceptions of the success of parent engagement between home and local schools.

• When: Available through May 31, 2024.
• Where: Parents can complete the survey via the survey link below. Our goal is to ensure that all parents are aware of the survey and have the opportunity to participate.

Please use the following link to access the survey:
https://survey.gadoe.org/SPEDParentSurvey/Pages/ParentSurvey.aspx

Please use the following link to access the parent letters:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Rb95vG3nfzkKnLZxnE2rDX8tNS3UwLTo

The solar eclipse was an extraordinary educational opportunity for students at Corley Elementary and schools across the region. On April 8, 2024, North America witnessed a total solar eclipse, a celestial event where the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow over our planet. This was a momentous occasion for educators and students to engage in hands-on learning experiences.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B—Staff and student wellbeing.
• Goal 4.A—Preferred Education Destination.

Field Day at Corley Elementary was filled with joy, games, and community spirit. It's a reminder that a bit of rain can't dampen the spirits of the Corley Elementary family; it only postpones the fun for a few days.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B—Staff and student wellbeing.

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we at Corley wanted to show our support for individuals with autism. A huge thank you to all our amazing staff members who participated in our BLUE OUT on Thursday! Your willingness to wear blue goes a long way in raising awareness and fostering a more inclusive environment.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B—Staff and student wellbeing.
• Goal 4.A—Preferred Education Destination.

We'd like to give a huge thank you to our amazing instructional coaches for organizing a fantastic Georgia Milestones pep rally! It was a high-energy event that got our students pumped up and ready to show what they've learned all year.

The energy was electric as teachers, support staff, and students came together to show their school spirit. It was a fantastic way to pump everyone up for the upcoming tests and give our students a chance to showcase all they've learned. Thanks to everyone who participated – your enthusiasm is truly contagious!

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B—Staff and student wellbeing.
• Goal 4.A—Preferred Education Destination.

National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize those who dedicate their time and talents to making a difference. Here at Corley, we're especially proud of a group of volunteers who walk our halls every day – our amazing student volunteers!

These dedicated students go above and beyond their studies by lending a helping hand throughout the school. You might find them supporting teachers, helping in the library, and more! These young leaders are an inspiration to their peers and a valuable asset to Corley. During National Volunteer Week, and every week, we celebrate their dedication and service!

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B—Staff and student wellbeing.
• Goal 4.A—Preferred Education Destination.

Corley Elementary welcomed local community members and students to our All Pro Dad session. This program has proven to be an excellent method for enhancing community involvement and strengthening the bond between Corley's parents and the school. A heartfelt thank you to our Corley Counselors for their ongoing leadership in driving this initiative forward.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B—Staff and student wellbeing.
• Goal 4.A—Preferred Education Destination.

Kindergarten Registration was a success! Our Corley Scholars were thrilled to partake in their very own "signing day" as they kick off their elementary school journey.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 4.A—Preferred Education Destination.

Did you know that April 24th was National Administrative Professionals Day? Here at Corley, we couldn't let this day pass without recognizing the incredible team who keeps our school running smoothly – our dedicated office staff!

From greeting students and parents with a smile to managing complex paperwork and schedules, our office staff plays a vital role in Corley's success. They are the glue that holds everything together, ensuring a positive and efficient environment for everyone.

This week, we wanted to express our sincere gratitude for their hard work and dedication. As a small token of appreciation, we treated them to a delicious catered lunch. Their commitment to our school community is truly invaluable.

Let's take a moment to thank our amazing office staff!

If you see a member of our office staff in the hallways, take a moment to express your appreciation for their efforts. They play a crucial role in making Corley a great place to learn and grow!

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B—Staff and student wellbeing.

On April 25, Corley buzzed with excitement as we hosted the annual Berkmar High School Senior Walk! This heartwarming tradition brought our school community together for a truly special event.

Pre-K through 5th graders had the chance to cheer on Berkmar seniors, many of whom were once Corley students themselves, as they proudly paraded through the halls in their caps and gowns. The energy was contagious as our younger students cheered and high-fived their future selves!

The Senior Walk is more than just a celebration of graduation. It's a powerful reminder of the journey our students embark on, and the importance of a strong foundation in elementary education. Seeing these Berkmar seniors return to Corley, ready to take on the next chapter, was a true inspiration for our younger students.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 2.B- Opportunity and Access.
• Goal 4.A—Preferred Education Destination.

We recently celebrated the well-deserved retirement of Ms. Canon, our beloved ESOL teacher, at a special staff reception. After 18 dedicated years at Corley and a remarkable 30 years spent shaping young minds, Ms. Canon has chosen to embark on a new chapter.

Ms. Canon's impact on Corley is undeniable. For countless students, she has been a champion for language acquisition and cultural understanding. Her unwavering passion for helping students from diverse backgrounds thrive in the classroom has left a lasting legacy on our school community. Her patience, creativity, and genuine care for each student have played a vital role in their success.

The reception buzzed with warmth and appreciation as staff shared stories and well wishes with Ms. Canon. We will miss her presence in the classroom and her positive influence on our school. We wish her all the happiness in her retirement, knowing that she has touched countless lives during her educational journey.

Thank you, Ms. Canon, for your dedication and service to Corley! You will be deeply missed.

GCPS Blueprint for The Future

• Goal 1.B-Staff and Student Wellbeing.

PTA is coming to Corley, and we need your support! We'd like to encourage all staff and families to join PTA! Please scan the QR code or CLICK HERE to pay the $5.00 membership fee and show your support for PTA @ Corley!

While this is not a requirement, we would love for you to join our Parent-Teacher Association to help build community. You can give your time, talent, and resources to join our collective efforts in promoting quality education, arts, and community involvement to build a healthy environment and safe neighborhood for all of our families.

GCPS Blueprint For The Future

Goal 1.A-Cultural Competence.

Goal 4.B-Post-secondary and Workforce Readiness.

Goal 4.A-Preferred Education Destination.

My Payments Plus is a multi-purpose website we use here at Gwinnett County Public Schools. Once you create an account, you can use the site to pay for school lunches and field trips or to review and sign important documents. For help registering for an account, you can watch this quick how to video.

Need help? Call the MPP Parent Support Phone Number: 1-877-237-0946.

Children need healthy meals to learn. Gwinnett County Public Schools offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast costs $1.50; lunch costs $2.25 for elementary and $2.50 at middle and high schools. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced-price meals. The reduced price is $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch. Below are some common questions and answers to help you with the application process. Click HERE for complete the online application.

WHO CAN GET FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE MEALS?

• All children in households receiving benefits from SNAP or TANF are eligible for free.
• Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free.
• Children participating in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free.
• Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free.
• Children may receive free or reduced-price meals if your household’s income is within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Chart.

We have recently noticed an increase in students being dropped off in front of the school, without parental assistance. As a reminder, students should arrive between 8:15 am - 8:50 am. Students who are dropped off in a parent's car should use the car rider lane between those times. However, if you are dropping your students off after 8:50 am, please escort them into the building to complete the official check-in process. For safety & security, no child should be left to enter the building alone! Thank you for your support with this procedure.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1. All visitors must check in at the welcome desk and please be prepared to provide some form of identification upon request.
2. Students should arrive between 8:15 am - 8:50 am.
3. Morning announcements and the tardy bell rings at 8:50 am.
4. Dismissal bell rings at 3:15 pm.

• If you are checking your child out early, please do so before 2:30 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!

• May 1st: National School Principal Day
• May 2nd: School Lunch Hero Day
• May 6th: College Spirit Day
• May 6th-10th: Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 7th-9th: Book Fair BOGO Sale
• May 13th-17th: National School Police Week
• May 14th: International Night
• May 16th: Kindergarten Ceremony & Class Party
• May 20th: 2nd and 4th Grade Class Parties
• May 21st: 1st and 3rd Grade Class Parties
• May 22nd: 5th Grade Picnic
• May 22nd: Last Day of School
• May 27th: Memorial Day