Knightly News
April 19, 2024
Every Student, Every Day Deserves to Learn, Lead, & Excel!
Message from our Principal~ Ms. Tamara Perkins
Our Kindergarten and first-grade students had an amazing Field Day. The weather was beautiful and the students enjoyed the many activities. Thank you to all of the parents who came out to join us. We are looking forward to next Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 9:00 - 12:00 pm.
We are excited to host Black Night Family Night next Friday, April 26, 2024. The playground will open at 7:00 pm and the movie Toy Story 4 will begin at dusk. Wristbands are on sale for $5.00. You can make a payment on MyPaymentsPlus or by sending the payment to the school. For more information please see the flyer below.
Our students in grades 3-5 will begin taking the Georgia Milestones Assessment on Monday, April 22, 2024. The English Language Arts section of the assessment will be administered April 22 - April 24, 2024. Please be sure students get enough sleep each night, eat a good breakfast, and arrive on time.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Black Knight Family Night!
Upcoming Events at Simonton
Saturday, April 20
- Better World Day- Garden Clean-up ~ 8:00-11:00 am
Monday, April 22
- GMAS ELA Section 1 ~ Grades 3-5
Tuesday, April 23
- GMAS ELA Section 2~ Grades 3-5
Wednesday, April 24
- GMAS ELA Section 3 ~ Grades 3-5
Thursday, April 25
- GMAS ELA Make-ups
- Field Day (2nd & 3rd Grade)
Friday, April 26
- GMAS ELA Make-ups
- Field Day (4th Grade)
- Progress Reports emailed to parents
- SES Movie Night ~ 7:00-9:00 pm
Monday, April 29
- GMAS Math Section 1~ Grades 3-5
Tuesday, April 30
- GMAS Math Section 2 ~ Grades 3-5
Wednesday, May 1
- GMAS Math Make-ups
- Field Day (5th Grade)
Thursday, May 2
- GMAS Science ~ Grade 5
- Kindergarten Roundup ~ 5:30-6:30 pm
Friday, May 3
- GMAS Make-ups
- Local School Council Meeting ~ 9:00-10:00 am
- Barber of Seville ~ Grade 3-5
Monday, May 6- Wednesday, May 8
- BOGO Scholastic Book Fair
Tuesday, May 7
- Celebration of Learning (K-2nd) ~ 9:00-10:00 am
- 3rd Grade Field Trip (Washington Farms) ~ 9:30-1:10 pm
Wednesday, May 8
- Celebration of Learning (3rd-5th) ~ 9:00-10:00 am
Thursday, May 9
- PTA Spirit Night at Sparkles ~ 5:00-8:00 pm
Friday, May 10
- School Tours (New Families) ~ 10:00-11:00 am
- PBIS Celebration
Tuesday, May 14
- Fine Arts Night ~ 5:30-7:00 pm
Thursday, May 16
- Honor Ceremony (1st, 2nd, & 4th)
Friday, May 17
- Honor Ceremony (3rd)
Monday, May 20
- 5th Grade Celebration (Colclough, Vlaic, & Shoemake)~ 8:30-10:00 am
Tuesday, May 21
- 5th Grade Celebration (Battle, Elliott, & McCree)~ 8:30-10:00 am
- 5th Grade Walk ~ 2:00 pm
Wednesday, May 22
- Last Day of School
- Report Cards sent home
Title I Parent Meeting Data Review & Feedback
We are inviting all of you to please go to the attached link to review our Title I Planning Meeting information:
The window for input will go from Friday, April 19, 2024 to Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
After review, please complete the following form at the link below:
Thank you so much for your input.
We appreciate you!
Upcoming Events:
April 26, 2024
7:00-9:00 pm
May 2, 2024
5:30-6:30 pm
May 9, 2024
5:00-8:00 pm
May 14, 2024
5:30-7:00 pm
Georgia Milestones (GMAS)
Announcement from Jordan MS!
GCPS Parent Portal Transition to ParentVUE
On March 25, 2024, family accounts were moved from Parent Portal to ParentVUE. This change will require parents/guardians to reset their passwords.
The district sent out an email notification through ParentSquare on March 25th to families of active students with an email address in Synergy. The message to parents will contain a link parents should click to initiate the password change.
If you received the email, CLICK HERE for more guidance on resetting your password.
If you did NOT receive the email message, see below for steps to help access your account.
Open the link for the new ParentVUE access page:
https://ga-gcps.edupoint.com/PXP2_Login_Parent.aspx?regenerateSessionId=True
Click the red lock icon with Forgot Password
Enter the email associated with your Parent Portal account and click Send Email.
When the email arrives, follow the link in your message.
Enter the First Name and Last Name associated with your Parent Portal account. (Sometimes this is where errors occur. Please contact your school's SDMC to confirm the name on your account if you experience problems.)
Enter the new password twice.
You'll get a message that you've successfully changed your password with a link to the login page.
Login with the email as your username and the new password you just set.
Camp Invention
Hello Simonton ES families!
We are excited to host Camp Invention June 3, 2024 – June 6, 2024 here at Simonton Elementary School. A special thank you goes out to the Nordson Foundation who have made a generous donation that will allow us to offer scholarships for Simonton ES students who attend Camp Invention. 30 scholarships will be awarded to the first 30 students who sign up using the google link below. The scholarship award will be $200.00. Parents will be responsible for paying the remaining $85.00. Scholarship funds are for currently enrolled Simonton ES students only.
https://forms.gle/m5J3G32gZp8uH3u76
Hola familias de Simonton ES!
Estamos emocionados de organizar Camp Invention de Junio 3, 2024 - Junio 6, 2024 en la Escuela Simonton. Un agradecimiento especial a la Fundación Nordson que ha hecho una generosa donación que nos permitirá ofrecer becas para los estudiantes de Simonton ES que asistan a Camp Invention. Se otorgarán 30 becas a los primeros 30 estudiantes que se registren utilizando el enlace de Google a continuación. El premio de la beca será de $ 200.00. Los padres serán responsables de pagar los $85.00 restantes. Los fondos de la beca son solo para los estudiantes actualmente matriculados en Simonton ES.
Simonton's Kindergarten Registration:
Other Kindergarten Registration Information:
The Department of Federal Programs' Office of Family Engagement in partnership with the Student Services Department invites all families to join an Engage, Equip, Empower Series titled: “Empowering Conversations: Let’s Discuss Youth Mental Health and Drug Abuse” on May 1, 2024, from 5:30 until 7:00 PM.
GCPS families will receive powerful information from district and community leaders about the importance of mental health and drug abuse awareness. Families will also learn how they can find help and support for both concerns.
Parent Mentors Present: “Locating and Understanding Resources within the Community”
Who: Parents/Guardians of students receiving Special Education services
What: Parent Mentors Present: “Locating and Understanding Resources within the Community” When: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 AM or 6:00 -7:30 PM
Where: In-Person registration link for 10:00am session: https://forms.gle/qUDptcwAtFTsEVXj7
Zoom registration link for 6:00 PM session: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqcOCrrTwqE9zYkv4plbaci5fNYPS4QFyV
Annual Parent Involvement Survey
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 now through May 31, 2024
Where: Parents can complete the survey via the survey link below. We ask that a copy of the attached letter be sent home with every SWD student. Additionally, we ask that the letter(s) and survey link be posted on your special education teachers e-class pages as well as your school website. Our goal is to ensure that all parents are aware of the survey and have the opportunity to participate.
Please use the following link to access the survey:
Gwinnett Community Services' Event Calendar
Good News Club
Ready By 5
Simonton ES Handbook Highlights
Testing
Testing occurs throughout the school year. These include state, district and local assessments. Please refer to the parent/teacher newsletter to see when upcoming tests are scheduled and plan ahead to ensure your child gets a good night’s rest, eats a healthy breakfast and that your child will be present during testing days. Due to changes in lunch schedules and seating limitations, there will be no visitors to lunch on standardized testing days. This will be communicated through the parent newsletters prior to testing and on the school website.
Cell phones and electronic devices
Cell phones may be brought to school for after school use as long as they are turned off and left in the student’s book bag at all times during the school day. If a phone is taken out during the school day, it will be taken up by the teacher, and the parent will need to come to the school to retrieve it. No games should be brought to school at any time. In order to use electronic devices at school, students must follow teacher/school guidelines and the GCPS Acceptable Use Policy. If you DO NOT want your child to participate in technology, appear in the morning news, or have candid photos taken of them throughout the year, please send a note clearly stating this to the school principal.
From our Counselors...
Information for Parents: New Resource for K-5 English Language Arts
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.
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
Promote learning outside of class
Involving your child in your everyday activities is an effective way to foster school skills. While using grocery ads to make your shopping list for example, ask your child to figure out how much it would cost to buy five of one item. When you are in the car, have your child point out signs with a particular word, such as "right." You can also ask questions that make your child think: "What do you think would happen if we…?" https://tpitip.com/?14dV18608
Future travel plans are current learning opportunities
If you are thinking about taking a family trip, help your child research the places you might visit. Together, look up destinations on maps and online. Help your child learn about the history of the places you'll see on the way. Did any famous people come from the area? What historic events happened nearby? Advance research will make the trip more interesting for your child when it actually happens. https://tpitip.com/?14dW18608
Teach your child skills that boost patience
Patience is a necessary skill for school success. To encourage patience, help your child recognize the signs of impatient behavior. Is your child talking louder or faster? Tapping a foot? Making comments such as, "This is taking forever"? When your child feels impatience coming on, a little self-talk can help. Teach your child to say things like, "I'm going to be patient" and "Getting upset isn't going to help anything." https://tpitip.com/?14dX18608
Cereal boxes can make great reading
Did you ever wonder why cereal boxes have promotions on the back? Manufacturers know that kids read the boxes as they eat. To turn breakfast time into learning time with your child, ask questions about what is on the box: "What is bran? What other foods are made from bran?" "Where was this cereal made? Can you find the place on a map?" "How big is a serving? How many servings are in the box?" https://tpitip.com/?14dY18608
Have your child try singing for test success
Is your child trying to memorize information for a test? Suggest putting it to music. After all, that's probably how your child learned the ABCs. Have your child try putting facts into a familiar song, such as "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." For example: 7 x 3 is 21, EIEIO. Memorizing the song will give your child more confidence going into the test, and you can sing praises for the effort! https://tpitip.com/?14dZ18608
For writing fun, have your child pretend
The best way to become a better writer is to write more. To make practice fun, ask your child to pretend to be an object, such as a mirror, a soccer ball or a frying pan. Then, have your student write a story about life as that object. Start your child off by asking, "What is your name? What do you look/sound/smell like? What is a typical day in your life like?" https://tpitip.com/?14da18608
Think and plan before leaving your child alone
Ideally, children should be supervised at all times, and states have laws against leaving young children alone. Even if your child is legally old enough, consider whether your student can handle being alone responsibly. Before leaving home, review safety procedures, such as not opening the door to anyone, how to reach you, and who your child should call in an emergency. For more information, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway: www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/homealone/. https://tpitip.com/?14db18608
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