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I can't believe that I am typing this, but our first semester is only 2 weeks away from ending. It has been an amazing first half of the year. I added more pictures than usual to our newsletter to try and capture all of the events that occurred in November. Once again, our culture fair was a huge success. Thank you to all the families who represented their countries. As a school, we take a lot of pride in this event; it highlights why Sandersville is one of the best schools in our district. During the culture fair, each booth highlighted important facts about their country, brought delicious food, and some even had activities for the kids. On our morning show, we tell the students everyday that at Sandersville, “you belong.” Our staff does their best to ensure that Sandersville is a place where all feel welcome.

Over the next two weeks, our students will complete the MAP assessment. The MAP assessment is an adaptive assessment that helps to measure a student's progress through the first semester. This adaptive assessment is unique to the types of assessments that our students regularly take. Ms. Wilkerson has put together a blurb below with a family guide that better explains this assessment. During the last week of December, we will have our annual holiday spirit week. Participation is optional, but we always have a good time celebrating all of the work that we have completed this first half of the year.

During the month of November and December our staff tries to be intentional about taking time to be thankful. I would like to take this opportunity to let all of our families know that I am thankful for you and all of the support you give our school!

Let's make this a great December!

Student Holiday Card Winner (Ella Buckler)

Veterans Day Performance

Culture Fair

Culture Fair

Culture Fair

Culture Fair

40 Book Challenge

Quarter 2 Behavior Bash

As the calendar year comes to an end, our district determines funding for schools for the next year (25-26). Specific programs such as Title 1 and CEP (Free Lunch and Breakfast for all students) are based on the number of families that fill out the Educational Benefits Form and meet certain requirements. These funds are used for staffing and providing great experiences for our students. The EBF form is linked below. Please take a moment to fill this out for our school. If you have mutiple students, you will need to fill it out for EACH student. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. Thank you for taking the time to help all of our Sharks!

This week and next, our students will take the MAP Growth test in math and reading. This is a computer-based test that adjusts to each individual student's level. They previously took this in the fall and will take it again in the spring. The MAP reports provide us with great information about how your child is growing throughout the year. Once your child has completed both tests, look for information coming home about their progress. Still want more information? Check out this family guide or reach out to your child's teacher.

• Starting January 7th, students will begin bringing home their Chromebooks nightly in preparation for an NTI day. Your teacher will send out a specific plan for your student's classroom before we return on January 7th.
• We have several families who have not filled out the 1:1 Chromebook form. Please be on the lookout for a communication from your student's teacher if you have not filled this out.
• From our Culture and Climate Committee: Happy December, families! We hope you were able to enjoy some of the activities from the November Family Bingo. Linked below is the picture of the December Family Bingo Board, and here is the link to fill out by 12/31: Board. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrafQIfRQWBg2Do71Gf9exnjfj1X50FQsuZiGuzGPTz1jGwQ/viewform
• If you plan to attend a field trip or volunteer in a classroom, please make sure to fill out the volunteer application below. There can be a 2-4 week turnaround time for approval.
• The first section of your student's planner contains our Sandersville Student Handbook. It is filled with information that is helpful throughout the year.
• Please review the guidelines for student absences in the student code of conduct (beginning on page 29). A quick reminder: notes for absences must be in writing and submitted within three days.
• If you plan to leave the country for an extended period of time, please call the front office for clarifications on next steps.

Thursday, 12/5- MAP Test- Reading, EPIC E-Sports, Pickleball Club

Friday, 12/6- 1st & 2nd Grade Showcase (Artic Animals) 1:00 pm

Monday, 12/9- Math MAP Test, ESS, Stronger Connections, Robotics Club

Tuesday, 12/10- Fluoride Varnish, Orchestra Concert 6:00 pm (Gym)

Wednesday, 12/11- PTA 6:00 PM (Library), Sharks on Stage, Stronger Connections 3:00-5:00, ESS

Thursday, 12/12- Science Fair (1/2 day AM) , Real Read 8:00 AM , EPIC E-Sports, Pickleball Club

Friday, 12/13- MAP Makeup Testing

Sandersville Spirit Week

Monday, 12/16- Deadline for KY State Representative Artwork (Flyer Below), ESS, Stronger Connections, Robotics Club

Tuesday, 12/17- SBDM 4:30 (Library)

Wednesday, 12/18- Sharks on Stage, Stronger Connections 3:00-5:00, ESS

Thursday, 12/19- 4th/5th Grade Variety Show 1:00pm, EPIC E-Sports, Pickleball Club

Friday, 12/20-

12/23-1/6- Winter Break

Mental Health Resources:

If you or your family have basic needs or social/emotional/mental health needs, please complete this form and our student support team will reach out. https://gethelp.fcps.net/menu

This resource is available to the community to locate a facility or provider in support of mental health, recovery housing, etc. Find more information and start your search for assistance here:

https://findhelpnow.org/

PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) Update:

We love celebrating student success! With our PBIS acknowledgement plan, students have the opportunity to earn points towards our quarterly Behavior Bash incentives. For the 1st and 2nd quarter, students earned time to visit game stations and socialize!

We also love recognizing students with Perfect Attendance for each quarter! For Quarter 1, students got to participate in a Connect 4 Challenge. Next up, we have the Kentucky Reptile Zoo visiting students with perfect attendance for Quarter 2!

Our school attendance goal is 96% ADA (Average Daily Attendance). Classes who meet this goal each month, get a class reward (extra recess, hot chocolate party, dance party, Shark Shop, etc)!

This section of the newsletter will be dedicated to our PTA.

Our PTA will have their next meeting on 12/11/24 at 6:00 pm in the library!

At Sandersville, many community partners would like us to share information with parents. To save paper and ensure you have access to the event, we will use this section of the newsletter to highlight opportunities for our families.

University of Kentucky: Sandersville has been selected as one of the spotlight schools for the January 12th UK Women's Basketball game vs. Auburn. Ms. Brantley will lead a group of Sharks in singing the national anthem.

Parents and families wishing to attend can purchase from this same link.

https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/2024wbbsandersville

FCPS: FCPS is excited to host the district’s first Global Holiday Fair on Saturday, December 14th, from 3 to 6 PM at the John D. Price buidling. This event, held in partnership with various community organizations, is a celebration of cultural diversity and holiday traditions.

Please see several events from our Family Resource Center

Calling on parents and friends of students grades 2-5! There is still space available to be a volunteer reader in a classroom as part of our Real Read program. Our first Real Read day will be Thursday December 12th with 2nd/5th grade at 8 am, 3rd /4th at 9 am. For questions or signup contact me @ Damon.sexton@fayette.kyschools.us

The 2024-2025 FCPS Instructional Calendar for Students & Families has been set. We will share any changes or updates as we move through the year.