Dear Mulberry Elementary School Parents,

The safety and security of students and staff is a top priority here at Mulberry Elementary, one we take very seriously. With that in mind, I wanted to inform you that we will be conducting our first scheduled hard lockdown drill on Thursday, September 19. In light of the recent tragic events at Apalachee High School, I felt it was important to notify you in advance to avoid any unnecessary alarm.

Hard lockdown drills are essential to ensure that students and staff are prepared in the event of an emergency. These drills allow us to practice safety procedures and make sure everyone knows how to respond quickly and effectively. While we hope never to face such situations, being prepared is key to keeping our school community safe.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools.

Warmly,

Dr. Yearby

• Tuesday, September 17th- Fall Picture Day
  
• Thursday, September 19th- Literacy & Math Night
• Friday, September 20th- Digital Learning Day #1

Monday-Thursday, we have stories read by various staff members at our school. This is one way to share our love of reading with our Mulberry families.

Make sure that you "like" us on Facebook! *See section below "Mulberry's on Social Media"

Featured readers this week:

• Dr. Yearby
• Mrs. Blakely (Assistant Principal)
• Mrs. Mayweather (Assistant Principal)
• Mrs. Timmerman (Instructional Technology & Innovation Coach)

Don't forget to tune in each Monday-Thursday to hear our featured story and reader. The story usually goes out around 5:00 PM. The students will be able to view the stories on their eCLASS main landing page as well each Monday-Thursday.

Remember, something magical happens when you read!

Families can see when afternoon buses have left our school. Please go to the Mulberry Announcements section from the school's homepage then select Live School Bus Dismissal Times. **To see real-time updates, you will need to refresh that page every few minutes..**

Be sure to check out this reading log and return it to the media center when you are finished!

Do you want to help celebrate your child's birthday on our digital marquee?

Check out https://www.mypaymentsplus.com

You can wish your favorite student, teacher, or staff member a Happy Birthday on the Digital Mulberry marquee sign in front of the school!

The Parent Teacher Association provides an opportunity for parents to actively engage in their child’s education. It allows parents to connect and build relationships with other parents, while offering opportunities for parents to take part in school activities, attend meetings, and the most important part is being able to be a part of the wonderful team here at Mulberry and collaborate with teachers and administrators so that we together can provide all the keys to success your child needs. Being apart of the PTA does not mean you have to volunteer every single day, you decide what you want your PTA experience to be and how often you would like to be involved, even if that simply means sending in supplies for a classroom activity your child is doing. Our goal this year is to get back to the basics of what the PTA was founded on: advocating for children. The PTA is one of the oldest and largest child advocacy associations in America. The PTA has a legacy of doing amazing things within schools, its surrounding community and passing national legislation that has made major impacts on the lives and education of children.

You and all of us being members of this organization means that you have in front of you opportunities to do some amazing things for your children at Mulberry as well as across the Dacula cluster. By getting involved in the PTA you’ll be part of the solution, helping make positive changes. You will be able to put your skills to use for a noble cause. Becoming a member of the PTA shows that you want to help support programs and events that help enhance student’s experiences at school, and you’ll be demonstrating to your children the importance you place on education. This year we are pursuing the School of Excellence designation with the National PTA. We will be

sending out a survey with the goal of learning how we can be more inclusive and accommodating to all families at Mulberry as well as provide the support you as parents need so that you can be the strongest advocator for your child. We need your help this year by helping us get as many families as we can to join PTA so that we can form a better connection between you and our wonderful Mulberry administrators and teachers, and the only way we can do that is to have your voice be a part of our team!

• MULBERRY ELEMENTARY PTA MEMBERSHIP $10
• https://jointotem.com/ga/auburn/mulberry-es-pta

Mulberry Elementary School PTA is pursuing the School of Excellence designation with the National PTA. This program goal is to create a tighter connection and foster better communication between the PTA, MES administrators, staff and teachers and all of the families at Mulberry Elementary School. Being a parent is a lot, and our goal with pursuing this designation is so that every family at Mulberry Elementary will know they are not alone in whatever they are facing, we are one family and we are here to help one another and our children succeed. We will be sending out a community survey September 6 to October 6 to learn how we can be more inclusive and accommodating to every family at Mulberry. This information will guide us in providing support to you as parents in becoming strong advocates for your child.

Links to survey:

English:

https://forms.gle/dcQTEiGtQgJwW4oL6

Spanish:

https://forms.gle/TjNJmQ1fQx7xNvx66

We are so excited to offer weekly Play to Learn Sessions for children birth to five years of age. This program will take place every Friday from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM and provides an opportunity for parents to engage in meaningful play with their child working on age-appropriate skills. Please contact the school at 678-226-7460 for more information on how to register for this program. (No walk-ins will be accepted; all children must be pre-registered)

Be sure to check out the school menus!

For families currently on the Free and Reduced Program, who have not reapplied since July 15, 2024:

We have not received a new application for this year. It is a requirement that you re-apply for school meals each school year. Your child/children's benefits will end on Wednesday, September 16, 2024.

We must receive and process a new application before Wednesday, September 16, 2024, or your child/children will be charged full price for meals. It may take a few days to process your form and you will be responsible for all charges until your application is approved and information has transferred to the local school.

School lunches cost $2.50 in Elementary Schools and $2.75 in Middle and High Schools. Breakfast cost is $1.75 at all schools, where available.

Put ALL your children's names on one application form. This means elementary, middle and high school student names should be listed on the same form. Completing more than one form may delay your approval. You may reapply online at the following website: https://gwinnett.nlappscloud.com Please note that your online application may take 1 to 2 days for approval. If you have questions regarding your submitted application, please contact the Free and Reduced Help Line at 678-301-6307.

You can check your child’s eligibility or to print your proof of benefits letter by going to this website: https://admin.nlappscloud.com/StatusLookup?districtId=1626

Thank you,

Lisa Watson

Cafeteria Manager, Mulberry Elementary

WHO: Anyone grades 4-5

WHAT: A group of students using voice to sing and create music

WHERE: Gym

WHEN: Thursday afternoons, 3:15-4:00 (first rehearsal: September 5)

WHY: Expand musical ability through singing and performing in concerts

CLUB COST: $15

CLUB SPONSOR: Eric Lele

Permission Slips are required for the first day!

Please check your child's Friday folder for the permission slip form or download here.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Our Mulberry Moments stories are posted on our Facebook page.

Don't forget to stay connected this year through our Social Media!