Knightly News
February 23, 2024
Every Student, Every Day Deserves to Learn, Lead, & Excel!
Message from our Principal~ Ms. Tamara Perkins
Strong4Life made another visit to our school. This is a yearlong partnership with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The team spent the day with our students during Physical Education classes and lunch encouraging our students to stay active and make healthy choices. We have pledged, as a school, to commit to four simple goals: drink more water, stay active, reduce screen time and use words to express how you feel.
Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 6, 2024 and Thursday, March 7, 2024. Students will be dismissed at 12:15 pm. Plan accordingly to make sure someone is at the bus stop to greet students.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Strong4Life
March 6, 2024 and March 7, 2024
Students will be dismissed at 12:15 pm
Simonton ES Black History Program
Simonton Celebrates ~ Black History Week
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you have not already done so, please navigate to the Simonton ES website, you will be able to schedule a conference with your child's teacher. Navigate to www.gcpsk12.org/SimontonES and you will encounter the following pop-up message that appears on the screen:
It is time for our first round of Conferences!
Please click the following link: Simonton Conference Schedule
Parents, you will need to select your child's teacher, register by putting in your information on the next page (Student's Name, Your name, Email Address), and then press "Submit". You will receive an email that contains a link which will take you to the screen where you can select your desired conference day and time.
Please follow the steps and sign-up for a conference!!
If You are Missing the Pop-Up Message on Simonton Website:
If you do not see the pop-up message when you get to the Simonton Website, please look down in the right-hand corner at the bottom of the screen. There should be a red exclamation point. Click on that and the pop-up message will reappear on the screen for you to read and access.
Gwinnett Regional Science & Engineering Fair
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.
STEM Camp for Grades 3-5
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 Thursday, February 29. We hope you will lend your voice to making Gwinnett County Public Schools the best it can be for our students.
PTA Spirit Night at Sparkles
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)
SES Student Handbook Highlights
Parent Involvement
We are very fortunate to have many parents willing to help at Simonton ES. The PTA, Local School Council, and volunteering are all ways you can get involved at our school. Please contact your child’s teacher or the Simonton PTA if you are interested in finding out more information about these opportunities. The role of a Simonton parent is vital to your child and to Simonton Elementary School. Students excel when you, the parent, are supportive in your child’s education at home and in the school. We welcome and encourage parents to volunteer; however, we ask that parents who are here as volunteers (to read, cut out things, help with a project or event, etc.) not bring siblings/small children into the classrooms, and must maintain confidentiality. Visitors must maintain confidentiality and refer any student redirection and/or disciplinary matters to a Simonton ES employee . This also applies to Class Celebrations. Parents and siblings are most welcome to come to support an event such as Field Day, provided the parent is able to actively monitor their younger child(ren). Siblings are welcome when a parent comes to have lunch with their child or when they are here to view a presentation in the classroom. Simonton loves to see family participation at PTA events, STEM/Literacy Night, and Movie Night, Fine Arts Chorus Concerts, Holiday Luncheons, etc. These are perfect times for the whole family to come together at school.
Returning to school after hours
If you need to return to school to pick up something that has been forgotten, please call first to make sure your child’s teacher will be here. Due to confidentiality, we cannot let parents or students into classrooms after hours unless escorted by a Simonton ES teacher or administrator. Thank you for understanding.
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.
Upcoming Events at Simonton
Saturday, February 24
- GCPS Readers Rally ~ 8:30-12:00 pm
- Saturday Intervention Program ~ 9:00-11:00 am
- GAGE Saturday Exploration Program ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Monday, February 26- Friday, March 1
- Read Across Simonton week
Wednesday, February 28
- Adult ESOL Class with Mrs. Saha (Parent Center) ~ 10:00-11:00 am
Friday, March 1
- Hat Day ~ Honor Society Fundraiser
Saturday, March 2
- Saturday Intervention Program ~ 9:00-11:00 am
- GAGE Saturday Exploration Program ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Families are required to register for the program using the QR code included on the flyer. Space is limited, so please sign up soon if you are interested.
Simonton ES Handbook Highlights
Counseling
The goal of school counseling is to remove barriers to student learning. The school counselor serves as a resource for all students and staff. The counselor supports new students and assists students who are affected by grief, anxiety, and peer issues. They also work with students on study skills, homework completion and test taking skills. Parent education is an additional component of the program. The counselor works with students through classroom guidance lessons, individual sessions and in small groups. If you are in need of therapeutic services you may contact your child’s counselor.
Emergency procedures
At all times, the safety of all students is of utmost importance. Fire, tornado and emergency lock down drills are held at intervals throughout the school year. Emergency instructions are posted in each classroom. The children will practice walking quickly and quietly to designated areas. If a child is injured on the playground, we also have procedures that are followed, and 911 is called as needed. Please be sure a current phone number is available so that we can reach you in an emergency. During an emergency, it may be necessary to transport your child by bus to another location. During inclement weather, students will remain at school until the county gives permission for dismissal.
Grading Practices
Progress reports are sent home twice a year (January and May). Interim grade reports will also be sent home several times during the school year. Parents may also access grades from the parent portal. Parent conferences are held once a semester. Teachers will contact parents to schedule these conferences. All students will be given an opportunity to retake most summative assessments if the student has not demonstrated mastery of the AKS, however, students need to know that the assessment may be in a different format. The student will receive the higher of the two grades. Parents will be notified by the teacher when the opportunity to retake a summative assessment is available. Teachers may give the same test or teachers may create an alternate assessment. Retakes may not be requested after the original and retake assessments have been completed. Retake opportunities will be given at school during normal school hours. All graded assignments must be completed at school.
From our Counselors...
Information for Parents: New Resource for K-5 English Language Arts
Around the Building:
Ala Carte Items in the Cafeteria
Currently, the Sparkling Juice is available in 2 flavors: Strawberry Kiwi & Fruit Punch.
The baked chips are Sour Cream & Onion and BBQ. The Doritos are Cool Ranch & Nacho Cheese.
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
Are you showing your child how to resolve differences respectfully?
The way you manage your response during a conflict sets an example for your child. When you get upset with someone, be a role model. Calm down by counting to 10, or agree to talk later when you're calm. Try to be honest about your feelings, and listen carefully to the other person's feelings. Remember to talk about the problem, rather than attack the person. Then, think of possible solutions and agree on what's fair. https://tpitip.com/?14bS18608
Open the door to creative stories with five words
When children tell stories, they learn to use their imaginations, to play with words and to structure their thoughts. To have some family fun with storytelling, select at least five words with no connection to one another (for example: dragon, song, tree, happy, forgetful). Have each family member tell a story that includes all the selected words. Then, compile your tales in a book, Stories of Our Family. https://tpitip.com/?14bT18608
To encourage action, play Beat the Clock
If you have trouble getting your child to do something, try transferring your authority to a neutral "boss." For example, when you want your child to finish a chore, complete schoolwork or get ready for bed, set a kitchen timer and play Beat the Clock. Your child must complete the activity before the buzzer rings. Kids love it when the kitchen timer is in charge, and you won't have to be the bad guy. https://tpitip.com/?14bU18608
Footprints make learning facts fun
Here's a way to make memorizing things like math facts more engaging for your child: Cut out a lot of paper footprints. Write a math fact (5 x 7 = 35, for example) on each and place them throughout your home. Have your child follow the footprints, saying each fact out loud. Rearrange the footprints around the house each day. https://tpitip.com/?14bV18608
Encourage your child's creative side
Children can sometimes express themselves better through movement or artwork than they can in words. To encourage your child's artistic self-expression, offer a variety of materials for art projects. Provide a place to work where it's OK to make a mess. Expose your elementary schooler to creative works by others, too. Without even leaving home, you may be able to visit an art museum's website, and watch virtual plays, concerts and dance performances online. https://tpitip.com/?14bW18608
Be clear about the behavior you want to see "Don't forget your jacket." "Don't run in the street."
Sometimes it seems like adults fill kids' heads with all the things they're not supposed to do. The problem is that young children often tune out the word "don't." Instead, tell your child what TO DO: "Take your jacket. Stay on the sidewalk." https://tpitip.com/?14bX18608
When kids teach, they also learn
Sometimes, the best way to remember something is by teaching it to someone else. When it’s time to study for a test, have your child make up questions for you to answer. Take the test, then let your child explain the answers to you. You'll learn what your elementary schooler knows (and where things are a little fuzzy), and your child will solidify understanding of the information. https://tpitip.com/?14bY18608
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