
Soaring in to WEEK 29

Soaring into WEEK 29
HAPPY SMORE DAY!
Good Afternoon Team,
I want to start by expressing my heartfelt thanks to each of you for an outstanding week of dedication, hard work, and continued professional growth. Your combined efforts are making a lasting difference in our school community, and I’m consistently inspired by your commitment and passion.
A huge shoutout to our PreK team for being named Team of the Month once again! Your hard work and collaboration shine through in everything you do, and we are so proud of all that you’ve achieved.
Way to go, to both of our basketball teams! Your perseverance and effort are truly remarkable. The girls team won the Area 1 Championship and will move on to the District Championship next week, and we’re all cheering for you as you continue to succeed.
Reminder that we have officially launched two major initiatives: March Mania and our Annual Reading Challenge. Our goal is 100% participation in both—and I’m so grateful to those of you who have already jumped in. Let’s keep the energy going!
For the Reading Challenge, I encourage every student to spend the first 15 minutes of class (or the last 15 minutes) reading, and to log it on BEANSTACK. I’m also asking all staff members to contribute at least $10-$20 to show our school community that we’re all in this together. I encourage you to work with your students to reach their grade-level contribution goals. The grade level with 100% participation from both students and staff will earn a special incentive! If your class hits 100% participation, please let me know so I can share the exciting news. Don’t forget to grab your contribution button from me, and wear it proudly!
REMINDER MAP MAKE UPS ARE THIS WEEK.
As we move forward, let’s stay grounded in the core values of H-PRIDE. It’s up to all of us to create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone in our community. Please remember to keep doors locked at all times, and ensure students have the opportunity to watch the morning announcements each day. Together, we can continue to embody these values in every action we take, shaping a brighter future for all.
DeKalb County School District employees were invited to participate in the Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement Survey. Each employee has been asked to rate their feelings on 12 work-related statements, which should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
This survey will only be open for a limited time, so your timely participation is greatly appreciated.
The email comes directly from GALLUP with the following address and title:
Email Address: <support@mail.gallup.com>
Title: Gallup Engagement Survey...... We need to hear from you!
Please click the link in the email you received to share your opinions about the workplace!
Important Reminders:
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We will continue using MUNIS Time and Attendance. Please be aware that soon, bookkeepers will no longer be entering your hours. It will be your responsibility to log your hours in MUNIS. If you’re unable to access MUNIS, please submit a help desk ticket for assistance. Don’t forget to sign in using the MUNIS app or, if needed, enter your MUNIS number at the front office keypad. Also, be sure to complete the daily attendance form here: Attendance Form.
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Let’s stay vigilant in supervising our students, giving them the care and attention they need. We’re all responsible for maintaining a positive environment and preventing negative behaviors.
We must continue to work together to maintain the momentum and success we’ve built so far.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering dedication, hard work, and continuous effort. I look forward to seeing all of you online Monday, ready to engage with your cameras on! Please also note that the construction company will be in the building during the break.
Let’s keep pushing forward, united and stronger than ever. Have a fantastic week on purpose!
-Dr. Blanton
🏫THIS WEEK🏫
Monday, March 24th Spring Teacher Conferences this week
- MAP Reading Fluency Coach 1st - 3rd Grade
- POST GRADES
- MAP MAKE UP TESTING (see schedule below)
Tuesday, March 25th
- RTI Meetings this week.*
- Tuesday Teacher Tutorials!!! See you at 3pm in the Media Center if your grades are not posted.
- POST GRADES.
Wednesday,March 26th
- MAP TESTING
- 9 Week grading ends. GRADES ARE DUE.
- 2nd Speed Learning 3pm-4pm see catalog below. There is 1 mandatory session.
Thursday,March 27th
- Collaborative Planning Grade Chair Classroom. Plan on discussing your plan of instruction, also be sure to have your writing for the week ready to analyze. We will meet in room 115.
- MAP TESTING
- Structured Literacy #7 DUE
Friday,March 28th
- Spring Picture Day see schedule below. Please stay flexible.
- Peer Walk Through Part C Due
- March Birthday celebrations
- MAP Fluency
- Progress Reports posted for parents
- March Mania Celebration 1:15pm in cafeteria wear your school spirit wear!
Upcoming Events
- Monday, March 31st- Reading Challenge Winners Celebration
- Monday, March 31st- MAP RIT PARTY- 1:15pm cafeteria
- Tuesday, April 1st 7pm (ZOOM) - April PTO Board and Committee Meeting
- April 7th – 11th - Spring Break (no school)
- Milestones Testing (SEE DATES BELOW)
- April 14-18, 2025-Exceptional Children's Week
- Monday, April 21st – Friday, April 25th - Aviation Week
- Friday April 25th Grade reporting ends
- Friday April 25th- Color War By Sunshine Committee
- Monday, April 28th -Structured Literacy #8 and #9 DUE
- May 2nd Grades due
- Wednesday, May 14th- Career Day 8am-10am will not interefere with connections
- Wednesday, May 14th- Structured Literacy #10 DUE
- Thursday, May 15th- Partner Brunch Media Center 10am-11am
- Monday, May 5th – Friday, May 9th -Teacher Appreciation Week
- Tuesday, May 6th -7pm (ZOOM)- May PTO Board and Committee Meeting
- Friday May 16th - Field Day- F
- Friday, May 23rd 6pm-(PTO funded custodian/Officer)- Magnificent Mill, includes Fine Arts/PTO General Meeting
- Friday, May 23rd- times will vary -Awards Day
- Friday, May 23rd -11:45am-12:30pm- HMES Sports Banquet
- Tuesday, May 27th 6pm- 5th Grade Bridging Ceremony (at Lakeside High School)
- Tuesday, May 27th- times will vary- EOY Parties
- Wednesday, May 28th- all day - 5th Grade Fun Day
- Wednesday, May 28th 3pm - Years of Service Celebration – Retirement
- Thursday, May 29th - Last Day of School
- Thursday, May 29th- Grade posting ends
- June 5th - Grades due
See more upcoming dates on the PTO calendar below and CLASS DOJO!
Thank you to all that completed the actions required last week. Admin. will be following up with you all that did not meet the deadline. Please be sure to complete the following!
Here are some important reminders:
- SIGN IN & SIGN OUT: Reminder that it is your responsibility to sign in and out. This is YOUR documentation for compensation. It is very important that you set yourself a timer and or reminder. Classified staff must sign in and out for lunch.
- Attendance: Please make sure that you take your classroom attendance daily.
Student Supervision: Reminder that it is vital that you all make sure that students are always SUPERVISED by adults. Please adhere to being on time so that you can supervise students weather you are a classroom teacher or someone on duty.
Classroom doors: In addition, be sure that when you leave your classroom the door is closed and LOCKED. Some of you are forgetting to do this, a suggestion is to have one of your students assigned to do this as a "helper/job". If you see classrooms doors open with no one occupying them, please assist in closing the doors.
Recess: 15 minutes only!!!! The times listed are travel to and from time. Reminder that staff should not be sitting or gathered together during recess, be sure that you are stationed in the zones to supervise students: ZONES for playground.docx Have all students play in areas that are visible by the teacher only. We have a surprise safety walk through soon to monitor this is happening.
Staff Cellphone Usage: Also, be sure that you are not utilizing your personal cell during school hours unless it is for instructional purposes.
See you Monday!!!
Henderson Mill Elementary
Email: regina_smiley-blanton@dekalbschoolsga.org
Website: https://www.hendersonmilles.dekalb.k12.ga.us/
Location: 2408 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: 678-874-3102
Twitter: @henderson_mill