Meadowcreek Community Newsletter

March 3- March 7- Book Fair

March 5 & 6- Early Release/ Parent-Teacher Conferences

Friday, March 7: Social Studies District Assessment (Grades 3-5)

March 9- Daylight Saving Time (Spring Forward +1 hour)

March 10- March 13- College and Career Week

Monday, March 10: Science District Assessment (Grades 3-5)

March 11- Family-School Partnership Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting 6:00-7:30PM via Zoom

March 10-13- College & Career Week

March 13- Career Day

March 13- Progress Reports Emailed Home

March 14- Digital Learning Day

Monday, March 17: Math District Assessment (Grades 3-5)

March 18- PBIS Family Night 5:30-6:30PM via Zoom

March 20- Heritage Night 5:30-7:00PM

March 26- Little Learners Academy 11:00AM-12:00PM

March 27- Rising Kindergarten Transition Meeting 5:30-6:30 PM

March 27- Spirit Night @ Chuck E. Cheese 4:00-8:00PM

March 31- Rising 6th Grader Parent Night 6:00-8:00PM @ Radloff Middle School

Early Release and Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, March 5 and Thursday, March 6. On these days we will dismiss students at 12:00PM.

Each year, to help improve our schools, Gwinnett County Public Schools collects feedback from our families, students, and staff members about their school experience. The Educational Effectiveness Surveys (EES) are an opportunity to provide feedback on nine characteristics of high-performing schools. Student, family, and staff responses are used to develop local school plans of improvement and help the district identify areas of support needed now and long-term.

• February 3–March 7: The Family Survey is now open. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Please click here to complete the survey: https://gcpsk12ga.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etIpEWn8RUqKsqW

We appreciate your feedback!

✏🚌🎒🖍📚 Mark your calendars! 2025 Kindergarten Online Registration opens March 24, 2025 for all children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2025. Please visit this link for more information: https://www.gcpsk12.org/schools/new-student-enrollmentregistration/kindergarten-registration

Come shop at the Book Fair from March 3-March 7! The Book Fair will be open late for families on Wednesday, March 5 until 6:30pm.

The 2025 Georgia Milestones End of Grade Assessment will be administered to all students in 3rd - 5th grade from April 21 - May 2, 2025. Attendance is very important on testing dates so that your child does not have to make-up the tests on a different day. Students must arrive at school on time. Testing will begin at 8:30AM each morning. Please plan ahead to ensure that your child is present for all testing days. We appreciate your support in ensuring we have a successful Georgia Milestones administration!

Parent information has been posted to the Accountability and Assessment public-facing webpage found HERE.

The MES Robotics team has been working on this season's innovation project. In their research, they learned about the effects of ocean noise pollution on marine life. Please support their efforts to raise awareness and bring about change by reading and signing their petition on Change.org: https://www.change.org/SlowDownForTheWhales

Thank you!

English Classes for Families are held every Tuesday 10:30AM-12:00PM.

January 14, 2025 - March 25, 2025

Meadowcreek Elementary School

5025 Georgia Belle Ct, Norcross, GA 30093

Enrich your language skills with our immersive English courses, designed to make learning enjoyable and effective!

Click Here to Register: 85cdc.org/esol

Parent Lunch

Parents must be on time for lunch visitation. Parents that arrive 10 minutes past the lunch start time for your student’s class will not be allowed to visit. Students can have no more than 2 visitors for lunch. You are only permitted to eat with your student. Appropriate attire is required. Please sit at the Parent Table with your student during your student's scheduled lunch time. Students are expected to return to their class and teacher when the class is dismissed from the cafeteria. Due to the limited time and supervision expectations for teachers, they are not available for conferences or parent meetings during lunch. Please make arrangements to meet with your student’s teacher at another more appropriate time. Cell phones should not be used in the cafeteria. Photos are not allowed for student confidentiality purposes. After lunch, immediately return to the front desk. Visitors are not permitted to go to the playground, classroom, or any other portion of the building.If a parent needs to check out a student after lunch; please go to the front desk to request a student checkout with your ID. Thank you for helping us to maintain a positive, safe, learning environment for our students.

Strollers

Please remember that strollers are not permitted in the cafeteria during lunch. Strollers have to be left in the hallway next to the cafeteria.

Outside food

No outside food is allowed in the cafeteria. Parents may purchase food containers at the register and proceed to the food lines to choose items. Please refrain from bringing in birthday treats and outside food for a class. We want to remain sensitive to classroom allergies. Ice Cream is available to purchase for a class if you desire. Please no cupcakes, balloons, flowers, etc.

Ice Cream

The new ice cream procedure started October 1. Parents will need to send money for ice cream with their student in the morning by 8:45am. Students will receive the ice cream during lunch but will no longer be able to purchase ice cream during lunch time. We appreciate your understanding and continuous support!

Car Riders

During morning arrival, please do not park in the parking lot and walk your child inside the school. Please remain in the car rider lane and drop your child off in line with a staff member. We do not want students and parents walking across the car rider lane. This slows the line and creates a safety concern.

Tardies

Please make sure your child arrives at school on time. Students should be in class and ready to begin instruction by 8:15 am every day. When students are late, it is disruptive to the learning environment. Please help us make sure our students are prepared for daily learning by being on time.

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 January 20, through May 31, 2025.

Where: Parents can complete the survey via the survey link below.

Please use the following link to access the survey

Please see the District Assessment schedule below. It is very important that your child is at school and on time each day for testing. Testing begins at 8:30AM. We appreciate your support in ensuring we have a successful District Assessment administration!

Friday, March 7: Science (Grades 3-5)

Monday, March 10: Social Studies (Grades 3-5)

Monday, March 17: Math (Grades 3-5)

Who: Parents/Guardians of students receiving Special Education services

What: Parent Mentors Present: “Planning for an Engaging Summer Break”

When: March 11,10:00 – 11:30 AM or 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Where: In-Person registration link for 10:00 AM session

Zoom registration link for 6 PM session

Meadowcreek Elementary School is having Career Day on Thursday, March 13th! Students are encouraged to show their excitement for the future and participate in the following spirit days!

The Office of Family Engagement in the Department of Federal Programs invites all families to join the Spring Family-School Partnership Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting virtually on March 11th from 6:00 until 7:30 PM via Zoom.

During this Family-School Partnership Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting, GCPS families will receive information about programs and resources that support our students and families. Topics will include Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, Academies and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE), the Multilingual Learners Program, Early Learning and School Readiness resources, the Homeless Education Program, and support for Foster Care students and families.

Interpretation will be provided in Spanish, Vietnamese, French, Korean, and Chinese.

Please use this link to register: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/AujSfvOhSYeS1otx7uYhsw#/registration

Friday, March 14, is a Digital Learning Day (DLD) for all students. On scheduled DLDs, students access lessons in eCLASS but do not have virtual class time with their teachers.

To ensure that students have a nutritious breakfast and lunch to fuel their learning, our bus drivers will be on the road and at every bus stop to deliver meals prepared by School Nutrition Program staff.

Families should expect buses to run their routes from approximately 10:45 a.m. to noon, beginning at the first stops on the route. These delivered meals are provided at no cost to families, and are provided to anyone 18 years old and under.

The Office of Family Engagement in the Department of Federal Programs invites all families to join the PBIS Family Night on March 18, 2025, from 5:30 PM until 6:30 PM via Zoom. During this session, GCPS families of students in grades K - 12 will receive information about the definitions of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), SEL Components within the PBIS framework, and how families can help connect with schools and use PBIS/SEL strategies at home.

Interpretation will be provided in Spanish, Vietnamese, French, Korean, and Chinese.

Please use this link to register:

https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/BJnJROEZSCm4Pi1aihJfSg#/registration

✨ Capture the Memories! Order Your Child’s Yearbook Today! ✨

Don’t let this year’s special moments fade! The Yearbook is a keepsake your child will cherish for years to come! From classroom highlights to unforgettable events, it’s all here!

📚 Price: $30

🖱️ Order Now: https://bit.ly/3vFqU69

Don't miss out on emergency messages or important alerts! GCPS staff and families have access to the ParentSquare app! Download it and adjust the settings for your use. Please visit the ParentSquare page on the district website to learn more.

The ParentSquare app is a great way to stay informed when inclement weather results in changes to the school schedule. You can find more information about GCPS' inclement weather policy here.

Once you download the app, you can login with your phone number as the username. If you don't know your password, you can reset it. If your phone number has changed, you will need to let us know. If you need support, please visit the Family Center. Thank you for your continuous support.

ParentVUE and ParentSquare are tools we encourage you to use to support your student’s learning. Think of ParentVUE as a tool you use to view and update student records. Think of ParentSquare as the place you go to engage with teachers and staff. Please see the guide below from the GCPS International Newcomers Center to help families understand the difference between ParentSquare and ParentVUE. If you need any support with these platforms, please visit our Family Center.

ParentSquare

In ParentSquare you can connect with teachers and school staff:

• Send and receive messages from the school via email, text, or mobile app.
• Communicate in your preferred language.
• Direct message teachers, staff, and principals.
• Share pictures and files.
• See calendar items.
• Participate in group messages.

ParentVUE

In ParentVUE you view enrollment records and progress:

• See attendance records.
• Review academic progress and grades.
• Check class schedules and course history.
• See graduation requirements and status.
• Translate information into your preferred language.
• See records for all your children at any GCPS school with a single login.

It is important your contact information is up to date with your school. Both ParentSquare and ParentVue rely on your up to date contact information. If you need to update your information, please call or visit the school. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent/guardian using their preferred email address and phone number listed in ParentVUE. GCPS recommends reviewing your contact information annually.

Parents now have the option to be notified in the ParentVUE mobile app if their student’s grade fall below a preset threshold. Within the app, a parent can choose to enable the notification and will select the grade threshold of when to be notified. Thresholds can be set on the student’s class average or on assignment grades. The notifications are processed each afternoon starting at 5:30 pm. Specific directions on enabling Grade Notifications can be found here. Other ParentVUE resources are available on the ParentVUE site.

Congratulations to our February PBIS Star Students of the Month! These students were nominated by their teachers because they consistently demonstrate positive behaviors that align to our school-wide PBIS expectations. Each student photographed is a responsible, respectful, problem solver. Way to go, Mustangs!! 🎉🎉

Also, Congratulations to our Teacher of the Month, Ms. Mas y Rubi and Support Staff of the Month Ms. Ortiz! 🎉🎉

🎉🎉 MES has a podcast! Introducing Mustang Press—a podcast by Meadowcreek Elementary students, for everyone! Each episode brings fresh topics inspired by what students are learning and events happening at our school. Our latest episode is the first episode of our special series, Conversations with Student Council. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio to hear what our students have to say! We hope you enjoy, and stay tuned for more episodes coming soon! 🎙️

Spotify: Mustang Press

Apple Podcasts: Mustang Press

iHeart Radio: Mustang Press

Little Learners Academy will be held on Wednesday, March 26 from 11:00AM-12:00PM. This class is offered on the last Wednesday of each month and is for all families with children birth to five years old and their parent or caregiver. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Pena-Perez at 770-381-4248.

Who: Children birth to five years old and their parent or caregivers

What: 60 minute session, learn to be your child's first and best teacher!

Why: Engage with your child through PLAY! Get your child READY FOR SCHOOL!

Dates:

March 26, 2025

April 30, 2025

Regular school attendance is vital to your student’s success. At Meadowcreek ES, our goal is to ensure that all students fully benefit from their education by getting to school on time (in class by 8:15) and attending school regularly. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. You can help your student learn that going to school on time, every day is important. Consistent attendance will help children do well in high school, college, and at work.

Below are the times we expect students to be at school:

• Students arrive no earlier than 7:40 am
• The bell rings and instruction begins at 8:15 am. Attendance is taken in class.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:

• Have your child ride the bus as this assures your child will get to school on time. If you have to drive your child to school, leave yourself extra time in case of traffic or inclement weather. Our doors open at 7:40, so you can drop your child off starting then.

• An unexcused tardy means your child arrived in class late (after 8:15) because of sleeping in, traffic, missing the bus, running late, etc. Examples of excused tardies are illness, health condition, medical appointment, and family emergency. You must come inside the building to sign-in your child with the reason why your child was tardy.
• Arriving late to school/class impacts a student’s learning as well as the classroom atmosphere. Being on time for school/class is a positive goal for each of our students. Research has shown that your child's attendance record may be the biggest factor influencing his/her academic success.

If your student is going to be absent or late, please contact your child’s teacher. If your student is absent, you will need to send in an excuse letter for the absence.

Meadowcreek is tracking students with perfect monthly attendance! Students with perfect attendance will receive a certificate of perfect attendance by the end of each month. If your student receives a perfect attendance certificate, their name will be entered in a drawing for a NEW BIKE! We will pick the winner at the end of the semester. Good luck!

GCPS partners with students and caregivers to engage, equip, and empower families, educators, and community members as co-authors for the development of the whole learner from birth through adulthood.

Gwinnett County Public Schools’ family engagement initiative seeks to support the growth, development, and success of each and every student. The Engage, Equip, and Empower series hosted by the Department of Federal Programs Office of Family Engagement provides opportunities for families to participate in instructional sessions, workshops, events, and activities to engage with Gwinnett County Public Schools. The series will provide opportunities for families to learn how to support their children at home in the core academic content areas, be active participants in their children’s education, and learn about resources, programs, and wraparound services to support their children.

Meadowcreek Elementary families have the opportunity to connect with the Family Center in person, by phone, or Zoom to become familiar with:

• School procedures
• Check out free educational games and resources to help your child at home
• Familiarize yourself with the new communication tool ParentSquare
• Navigate the Parent Portal
• Complete free/reduced lunch application online
• Support your child with eCLASS/Google classroom
• Make payments on MyPaymentsPlus (cafeteria, school field trips, spirit wear, etc.)
• Anything else that you may need support with!

In-Person: Parents may visit the Family Center Monday - Friday during school hours

Virtual: Click on the following link from 1:00pm - 2:00pm on Wednesdays & Thursdays: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/j/92626367024

Phone: Mrs. Rosell: 770-638-2374 or Mrs. Pena-Perez: 770-381-4248

We look forward to serving you!

Research shows that developing certain skills helps children achieve success with reading. Teachers work on these skills in class, but it helps students to practice them at home, too.

When you read together, help your child:

1. Recognize and use word sounds. Talk about how words are made of parts. Separate them into pieces. For example, the word bat is made of bbb, aaa and ttt.
2. Understand that letters represent sounds. Look at printed letters. Name their sounds. Also notice pairs and groups of letters, such as br. What sounds do the two letters make together?
3. Build vocabulary. The more words students know, the more they recognize and comprehend when reading. When you talk with your child, try to use new words often—and repeatedly. Make sure their meaning is clear.
4. Use comprehension strategies. Comprehension involves thinking about what is being read. Ask your child, "What is the story about?" "Can you retell it in your own words?"
5. Read quickly and correctly. Learning this skill takes time and practice! The more experience your child has with reading, the easier this will become. Simply reading together will make a big difference.

Source: "The Five Essential Components of Reading," U.S. Department of Education.

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Please complete the form to be placed on the waiting list for the Play2Learn 2024-2025 school year. Once accepted, you will receive a call from Ms. Pena-Perez with instructions to register your child at the school.

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Call 855-846-8376 for assistance.

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GCPS Tech Tips is a place where GCPS educators offer quick tips and tricks for technology integration in the classroom. Each week, a new video will be released which focuses on how to effectively use your Chromebook and other tips/tricks. Check out the entire playlist here.