Norcross News

The Mission of Norcross Elementary School is to create a world class learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking and academic knowledge and skills that will meet or exceed national and global standards.

The Vision of Norcross Elementary School is for educators to create a community of successful, self-motivated, life-long learners who will become responsible and productive citizens.

Dear Colleagues,

Have a great weekend!

Making an impact,

Kassia

Proud Principal of Norcross ES

Breona, Tanisha, Belinda, Kristin, Kalena, Kristin, Melissa O. and Skylar - Thank you for responding to the form regarding providing feedback on the main schedule for 2025-2026. Your feedback matters and we made a few adjustments based on the feedback. -Kassia

Thank you to Lauren Dennis for supporting our Eagles at the Regional STEM Fair on Thursday! - Kassia

Thank you to the members of the Black History Month Committee: Dr. Sutton, Dr. Parker, Ms. Chapman, Ms. Bordes, Ms. Carter, Ms. Gibson, Ms. Burns, Ms. Clark, Dr. Chevalier, Mrs. Josephs, Mrs. Neblett, Ms. Taylor, Ms. Sherwood, and Mrs. Obimpeh for organizing such a meaningful and inspiring Black History Month celebration for our students, faculty, and staff. Your efforts in highlighting the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals have truly made an impact. - Venice Hinds

THANK YOU to everyone who made literacy night so fun and seamless! The students had a ton of fun with Mr. Vandiver and Mrs. Hays doing phonics, with Ms. Wilmott making the most creative super hero poems, with Ms. Parlier creating WOW postcards, and of course, staring with rapt, undivided attention to Ms. Parks's storytelling. Thank you to Ms. Moreno for helping even after the parent meeting, I know you didn't get a break and you are so appreciated! Thanks to Mrs. Oliver for amazing ideas in planning. Thank you to Dr. Bilal, our popcorn hero. Thank you also to Ms. Parks for getting the library to come out and advertise the public library to our students! Thank you for everyone else who had a hand in this evening as well, I'm sure I'm forgetting someone. Extra special shout out to Mr. Epps for his friendship with the Cat in the Hat who he somehow convinced to make a guest appearance! Who knew he knew him? Haha. And finally, to the AMAZING Ms. Sherwood who helped so much with puppets, planning, and of course, GETTING THE BOOKFAIR UNPACKED AND SET UP in only a few hours so our parents could shop! <3 you all. -Kristin sanders

Katrina Bilal I want to send a huge shout out to Mrs. Sanders and the Literacy Night Committee for an amazing event! - Katrina Bilal

I'd like to give a SUPER shoutout to Kristin Sanders. She was the chair of Literacy Night, and it was an IMPACTFUL event. Kristin lead our team with grace, and we were able to collaborate and work at a station where we felt EMPOWERED! Congratulations on a job well done!~ Parks

Note: Want to recognize a colleague for their IMPACTFUL Work. Please submit the recognition by Thursday of each week using the button/link below.

As the weather is unpredictable, please be sure you are taking your laptops home each evening.

Week of February 3 - National Counseling Week

February 2: Ground Hog Day

February 6: STEM Night

February 4: Professional Meeting at 7:30

February 6: PBIS Meeting

February 9: Severe Weather Drill at 9:30

February 7: In person Meeting/ Instructional Leadership Team Meeting at 7:30

February 10: Dr. Gresham visits at 10am-12pm

February 11: Professional Meeting at 7:30

February 12: Tier 2 Meeting

February 13 -17: February Break - No School

February 18: Professional Meeting at 7:30 - Individual Planning

February 18: 4th Grade Hi Touch-Tech

February 19: 4th Grade Hi Touch-Tech/Family Luncheon/4th Quarter Planning During Collab

February 20: Family Luncheon

February 21: Food Pantry/Global Impact

February 22: Global Impact/Readers Rally

February 25: Professional Meeting at 7:30

February 25: PBIS Walk Through

February 26: New Teacher Orientation/4th Quarter Planning During Collab

February 27: Property Inventory/Literacy Night/Instructional Leadership Team Meeting at 7:30

February 28: Student Supply List for 25/26 (no stress if you need more time)

*Week of February 24-28 - 4th Grade Gwinnett Writes

Milestones Required Staff Training Module in SLDS

Who: All staff who could serve as a Test Coordinator, Backup Test Coordinator, Examiner, or Proctor for the Spring 2025 Milestones administration (exclude: SDMC, AA, Receptionist, Nurse, bookkeeper, cafe, custodian, ASD teachers and TST only)

What: Required Georgia DOE Training Module

When: The Milestones Test Coordinator must have SLDS Transcripts collected from all required participants no later than March 31.

Where: The training module is found in SLDS

Click for directions

Please complete the staff EES survey and help us reach our goal.

Standing Meetings/Planning

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7:45-8:15 am (Individual Planning and/or Meetings)
• Tuesday 7:30-8:15 (Professional Learning/Meeting; start date August 13)
• Eagle Time Monday - Friday 9:00-9:45 (Month of August used for Teaching Expectations)

Brief 4 begins

Formative 2 begins

Week of March 3

No Meetings due to Early Release Conferences

Read Across America

District Assessment (DA) March 3- March 21

Monday

• Motivational Monday
• 3rd Grade High touch/tech field trip

Tuesday

• 7:30am Professional Meeting - No Meeting
• Dr. Gresham Visits 10:45-12:45
• 3rd Grade High touch/tech field trip

Wednesday

• Professional Dress due to conferences
• Early Release Conferences

Thursday

• Early Release Conferences
• Professional Dress due to conferences

Friday

• Books due (Stan Tucker Writing Program for 4th and 5th) - Date extended to March 7.
• Progress Reports go home (if not shared with parents during conferences)
• Fire drill at 1:30pm

Saturday

• Extended Learning

Please be sure your teams are planned for the week of March 3, March 10, and 4th quarter pacing is completed.

As you may know, the official beginning of Ramadan is determined by the Islamic Calendar which follows a lunar cycle. This year, Ramadan has been calculated to begin during the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, and end on Sunday, March 30, 2025. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to sunset. This religious duty of fasting is known as sawm in Arabic. It is one of the “Five Pillars,” or basic acts of worship in Islam. As Muslim families across the world and here in Gwinnett prepare for the start of Ramadan, we wanted to be sure to share some important information with you to better support your students.

Which school-age students are likely to be fasting in Ramadan?

Fasting is required for adults, but children and youth practice fasting during part of the month, or part of the day. Many older Muslim students fast for the whole month, and some younger children want to fast during part of the month, if they are willing and able and if their parents allow them to do so. Children love to participate in the practice as a way of feeling included in this festive month, even if they fast only a few days or part of a day.

How can school officials and teachers accommodate fasting students?

During Ramadan, Muslims may decline to participate in parties or other events that feature food and beverages. School administrators can show sensitivity to fasting students by providing alternate locations during lunchtime so that they can be away from the cafeteria. Teachers may also notice that fasting students may be subdued in their behavior, especially by the afternoon. It is worth noting that fasting becomes much easier for most after the first few days as the body adjusts. Additionally, the beginning of Ramadan this year is a week and a half earlier than last year and overlaps with the beginning of Daylight Savings Time which may impact the sleeping patterns of these students and potentially further exacerbate fatigue. Being aware of and addressing possible bullying and ridicule of fasting students is a good way to support this challenging experience.

This year, Cafe Gwinnett will offer takeaway meals to GCPS students fasting during Ramadan. You will receive an email with the criteria and communication our district will share with the community. Please work with your Café Managers to determine how to distribute meals at the end of each school day during Ramadan.

What school activities may require accommodation during Ramadan?

Some Muslim students or their parents may ask that they be exempted from rigorous activity in their Physical Education classes during Ramadan. Physical Education teachers are encouraged to allow fasting Muslim students to participate in alternative activities during Ramadan to avoid the possibility of dehydration or hypoglycemia resulting from strenuous exercise, especially when the weather is hot and could lead to heat exhaustion. Grading practices in P.E. should not penalize students who strive to fulfill this religious obligation.

The links below provide educational material to increase our knowledge about Muslim students’ religion and culture. Thank you for sharing this information with your staff members and helping us to increase religious tolerance and more culturally responsive school environments.

https://www.whyislam.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Teachers-Guide-to-Islam-Muslims-v2-1.pdf

https://www.youtubeHe.com/watch?v=UWlserxzIKU

Thank you all for your work with creating inclusive and supportive environments for your students. Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions.

The Norcross ES Black History Month Committee presents to you Celebrating Black History and Culture. Please use the button below for an overview of the celebration for the month of February.

Student Survey will be administered by the homeroom teacher and Kyle Salo. Please be sure you have signed up for a time with Salo.

Staff: Please make sure you complete the survey.

Another AI tool

https://app.diffit.me/

I typed in a 3rd grade topic, John Cabot, and below are the results.

https://app.diffit.me/packet/b8205780-f5bc-4cd4-b349-c57546a8b93a

The tool has great resources and I have leaned in on the graphic organizer templates.

March 1 - Extended Learning

March 3-6: No meetings due to conference week

March 3 - SEL Day/3rd Grade High touch-tech

March 4: Dr. Gresham visits 10:45-12:45/3rd Grade High touch-tech

March 5: Early Release (dress professionally)

March 6: Early Release (dress professionally)

March 7: Send home progress reports/Fire drill at 1:30

March 8: Extended Learning

March 11: Professional Meeting at 7:30am

March 12: Tier 2 Data Talks

March 13: Instructional Leadership Team Meeting at 7:30/PBIS Celebration/3rd Grade Fieldtrip in house

March 14: DLD- Focus Class Building for 25-26/Early Release Form due to Olive/GMAS Parent Class

March 17: St. Patrick's Day

March 18: Professional Meeting at 7:30am

March 19: Hard Lock Down at 9:15am

March 20: Little Learners Academy at 4:30/1st Grade inhouse fieldtrip/1st Day of Spring

March 21: Local school Council/Title 1 Parent Workshop

March 22: Extended Learning

March 24: Online Registration for 25-25 opens/5th grade High touch-tech

March 25: Spring Pictures /Professional Meeting at 7:30am

March 26: New Teacher Orientation

March 27: 2nd grade field trip in house

March 28: Food Pantry/Student of the Month

March 29: Extended Learning

March 31: Montage

Women's History Month

Youth Art Month

District Assessment window: March 3 - March 21

Read Across America/Kindness Week: Week of march 3

March 10

Monday

• Motivational Monday

Tuesday

• 7:30am Professional Meeting
• Dr. Gresham Visits 10:45-12:45
• 3rd Grade High touch/tech field trip

Wednesday

• Wellness Wednesday
• Tier 2 Data Talks

Thursday

• Instructional Leadership Team Meeting at 7:30am
• PBIS Celebration

Friday

• Digital Learning Day (Topics: Class Building, GMAS Parent Class, Faculty Meeting)
• Early Release Form due to Olive

March 17

Monday

• Motivational Monday

Tuesday

• 7:30am Professional Meeting - No Meeting
• Dr. Gresham Visits 10:45-12:45
• 3rd Grade High touch/tech field trip

Wednesday

• Wellness Wednesday
• Hard Lockdown at 9:15

Thursday

• Little Learners Academy

Friday

• Local School Council at 7:30am
• Title 1 Parent workshop

Saturday

• Extended Learning

March 24

Monday

• Motivational Monday

Tuesday

• 7:30am Professional Meeting - No Meeting
• Dr. Gresham Visits 10:45-12:45
• 3rd Grade High touch/tech field trip

Wednesday

• Professional Dress due to conferences
• Early Release Conferences

Thursday

• Early Release Conferences

Friday

• Books due (Stan Tucker Writing Program for 4th and 5th) - Date extended to March 7.
• Progress Reports go home (if not shared with parents during conferences)
• Fire drill at 1:30pm

Saturday

• Extended Learning

March 31

Monday

• Motivational Monday

Tuesday

• 7:30am Professional Meeting

Wednesday

• 5th Grade Trip to Summerour

Thursday

• PBIS Meeting

Friday

• Fire drill 9:15am

SPRING BREAK: April 5-13

7:45-9:00 Individual Planning

9:00-9:45 Required Virtual Check in with students

10:00-11:15 Class Building

11:15 - 11:45 Faculty Meeting

11:45-12:15 Lunch

12:15-3:45 Individual Planning (Please complete the GMAS Training in the SLDS)

FYI - for the 2025-2026 SY, the recommendation for DLD:

There will be a max of ½ day of professional learning, and ½ day must be synchronous learning with students.

No Updates

ESOL Bootcamp March 8

Ready to level up your teaching? Join the ESOL Boot Camp and discover how to integrate language goals into your lessons using WIDA’s Teaching and Learning Cycle (TLC). Learn to scaffold and sequence lessons that make language visible, helping Multilingual Learners thrive in both language and content. Let’s make learning exciting and impactful! ESOL Bootcamp is open to any interested teacher. Please share this flyer in your building.

Who: GCPS PK-12 Teachers

What: ESOL Bootcamp

When: March 8, 8:30 - 11:30 AM

Where: Zoom

Milestones Required Staff Training Module in SLDS

Who: All staff who will serve as a Test Coordinator, Backup Test Coordinator, Examiner, or Proctor for the Spring 2025 Milestones administration

What: Required Georgia DOE Training Module

When: The Milestones Test Coordinator must have SLDS Transcripts collected from all required participants no later than March 31.

Where: The training module is found in SLDS

• Click this link for directions.

Please share this message with all staff.

Professional Development Catalog: Summer 2025

What: The district's professional development catalog for Summer 2025 is accessible via the SharePoint linked below. Divisions will continue to add their respective Professional Development & Evaluation (PD&E) section numbers and specific locations.

When: Summer Catalog Finalization: March 14; School Year 2025-26 Publication: May 26

Where: Comprehensive PD SharePoint

Please share with teachers and building administrators.

New AKS and HB538 Resource Button on ECOMM

The Language Arts Department has added two new resource buttons on ECOMM. As we transition to our new AKS, we want to ensure that you have access to the materials that are being created by the Language Arts Department. We have also added a HB538 button that includes guidance documents for K-3 teachers who are required to take the Georgia Literacy Course.

What: New AKS & HB538 Resource Button on ECOMM

When: January 30

Where: ECOMM

Google Forms in Pear Assessment

Please share the following information with teachers

• Beginning February 10, teachers will be able to import Google Forms into Pear Assessment using their GCPS Google email address.

• Click this link to access the quick guide.

SY25-26 Teachers as Leaders (TAL) Selection Process

Who: Teachers interested in leadership growth through TAL

What: TAL is excited to begin the selection process for the Class of 2025-2026, the organization's 36th class. We urge you to select an outstanding teacher(s) who will benefit from this experience by taking the learning back to your school. Each participant is expected to apply their learning within their role to grow the capacity of others in the school building for increased student success.

When: The selection window for TAL will close on March 21, 2025

Where: Additional TAL program information is located here – TAL Overview

Action Item: TAL SELECTION PROCESS

• Each school will form a selection committee consisting of administrators and at least one teacher-leader (one that has completed TAL previously is recommended, if possible)
• The school’s selection committee will review each application using the district-provided TAL Application Rubric
• Upon conclusion of the selection committee’s review of all applications, they will send their recommendations to the school’s Principal
• A non-refundable tuition fee of $600.00 per participant is due upon acceptance or no later than August 1. This tuition fee is expected to be paid by the recommending school from their staff development funds. As such, each participant is expected to transfer and apply their learning during TAL within their school to develop others to promote school improvement.

Professional Learning Across the Year 24-25 K-5 Language Arts New AKS

The GADOE has officially adopted the new K-5 Language Arts standards, effective July 2025, marking a significant shift from our current AKS. To prepare for the transition, administrators, coaches, and teachers will receive training on the standards and domains. A series of trainings will be provided using three phases: During Phase 1 we ask that principals identify an ambassador other than their literacy coach, and during Phase 2, professional learning will be provided through a train the trainer model. We will be training coaches, ambassadors, and administrators during January through April. Staff will redeliver learning to their schools April through August of next year. During Phase 3 schools will implement their individualized plan based on the knowledge and tools acquired during the professional learning.

What: Professional Learning Across the Year 24-25 K-5 Language Arts New AKS

When: During the 24-25 school year

Where: Refer to the communication for the K-5 Language Arts New AKS Training At-A-Glance flyer

• Professional Learning Across the Year 24-25 K-5 Language Arts New AKS Flyer

SY25-26 Comprehensive Professional Development Catalog and Learning Plan

What: The SharePoint linked below houses the district professional development offerings and streamlined professional development plans that support each of the four district implementation focus areas: College and Career Readiness, Each and Every Student, Literacy Proficiency, and Safe and Welcoming Schools.

Where: Comprehensive PD SharePoint

Please share with teachers and building administrators the Comprehensive PD SharePoint

January 8 Allotments/points for 2025-206 released to principals

January 16 Placement Process opens (transfer process)

January 23 Deadline for Teachers/APs to submit Placement preference requests at 5:00pm

February 4 Deadline for schools to accept Placement Preference requests 11:59pm

February 25 Contract Recommendations due to Human Resources

March 11 AP and Teacher Contracts Released

March 24 Deadline for APs and Teachers to sign contract

Main Schedule for 2025-2026

Building/Classroom Moves for 2025-2026

Everybody List for 2025-2026

Class Building for 2025-2026 will occur on March 14 the DLD.

See the professional development calendar above for more information

May 27: Science/Social Studies K-5 Institute

May 28: Teaching Academic Language Content to MLs

May 27: Literacy Institute K-5

My 29: Math Institute K-5

June 11: Migrating to the Updated 2024 Skills Block K-2 Teachers

Reminder: We are moving away from the EComm and to Google classroom

July 7: Google Classroom Boot Camp

July 17: Google Classroom Working Session

Please use the behavior flow chart to help you with decisions regarding student behaviors.

Employee Mental Health Resources: Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) 1-800-715-4225 - Georgia offers a statewide toll-free call center for consumers to access services. The call center operates 24/7 and has the capacity to screen and assess callers for intensity of service response.

·Employee Mental Health Resources: https://www.georgiacollaborative.com/providers/georgia-crisis-

and-access-line-gcal/

February 7: https://secure.smore.com/n/xrwpve

February 14: https://secure.smore.com/n/y8hgx

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Ali, Contacia, Katrina and Kassia

Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/NorcrossES

Location: 150 Hunt Street, Norcross, GA, USA
Phone: 770-448-2188
Facebook: facebook.com/NorcrossElementarySchool-GCPS