Meadowcreek Community Newsletter

Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15-October 15

October 2 & October 3- Parent/Teacher Conference Sign Up Support 9:00-11:00AM & 1:00-2:00PM in Family Center

October 3- Multilingual Learner Parent Workshop (ESOL) 10:30-11:30AM in Media Center

October 3- Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Family Night 5:30-6:30PM

October 7- October 9- Field Day (No Visitors)

October 10- October 14- Fall Break

October 11- October 16- District Assessments

October 16- Fall Picture Day

October 17- Spirit Night at Stevi B's 5:00-8:00PM

October 18- PTCFast Parent-Teacher Conference Sign Up Closes

October 18- Progress Reports Emailed Home

Early Release and Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24. On these days we will dismiss students at 12:00PM. Please click the link below or visit our school website and select your child's teacher to schedule a parent-teacher conference.

If you need support with signing up for a parent teacher conference on PTCFast, please visit the Family Center on the following days/times:

Wednesday, October 2 & Thursday, October 3

From: 9:00 AM-11:00 AM or 1:00PM-2:00PM

**When scheduling your conference, under "Special Request", please state if you would like a Zoom Conference OR In Person Conference. PTCFast will close on October 18. After this time, please contact your child's teacher to schedule a conference**

October is National Principals Month! We value our principals who lead and support #TeamGCPS staff with empathy, equity, and excellence to cultivate a school culture of belonging. Our principals’ commitment to introspection and embracing diverse cultures ensures #EachandEvery student and family feels welcome, safe, accepted, respected, and prepared for the future.

Happy National Principals Month to our exceptional leader, Ms. Adrienne Tedesco! We are so grateful for your dedication to the students, staff, and community of Meadowcreek Elementary. Your leadership makes a lasting impact on all of us, and we thank you for your commitment to shaping the future of MES!

🎉🎉Meadowcreek Elementary has been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as a PBIS Distinguished School for the 2023-2024 school year, for the third year in a row! Thank you to our teachers for their commitment to creating a positive school experience for the students and staff of Gwinnett County Public Schools!

Last year, our counselor Ms. Mi’esha Reynolds was announced as the GCPS Elementary School Counselor of the Year. Recently, we welcomed special visitors from the Georgia School Counselor Association and Ms. Reynolds was announced as…🥁the GEORGIA School Counselor of the Year!! 🎉🎉 We could not be more proud of you and all you do for our students each day!! We are honored to have you at Meadowcreek! Congratulations, Ms. Reynolds!! 🩵🎉🎉

We officially have a school podcast! This is a podcast by Meadowcreek Elementary students. Content varies in each episode based on content students are learning and events happening in our school. Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and listen in! We hope you enjoy listening to what our students have to say! More episodes coming soon!!

Spotify: Mustang Press

Apple Podcasts: Mustang Press

Our Multilingual Learner Parent Workshop (ESOL) has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 3 from 10:30-11:30AM. We look forward to seeing you then!

It is National Hispanic Heritage Month!

GCPS celebrates #EachAndEvery individual as we cultivate a culture of belonging while leading with empathy, equity, and excellence to ensure that #TeamGCPS students, families, and staff feel welcome, safe, accepted, valued, and prepared for the future.

¡Es el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana!

En GCPS celebramos a cada individuo mientras cultivamos una cultura de pertenencia, liderando con empatía, equidad y excelencia para garantizar que los estudiantes, las familias y el personal de #TeamGCPS se sientan bienvenidos, seguros, aceptados, valorados y preparados para el futuro.

Join us in dressing up the following days as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

The Office of Family Engagement's Engage, Equip, Empower Series presents Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Family Night on Thursday, October 3rd: presented Dr. Kyle Jones, and Sallie Holloway, Directors virtually from 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm. During this session, GCPS families of students in grades K - 12 will receive information about Computer Science for All, Industry-Recognized Credentials, CTAE Program Access, and Future Readiness for Students. Interpretation will be provided in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese.

Please use this link to register: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpce2srT4vH9EAMg58XScYJaI9399frxjM

Wednesday, October 2, is National Custodial Workers Recognition Day! All members of #TeamGCPS play a crucial role in ensuring that #EachAndEvery student and staff member feels welcome, safe, valued, and supported. We appreciate the contributions that our custodians make every day to keep our buildings clean and safe places to learn and work. Thank you to our AMAZING custodial staff: Ms. Maria, Mr. Alexis, Mr. Gallen, Ms. Saye, and Ms. Amarilys!

At Meadowcreek, all of our students have an Imagine Language & Literacy account and utilize this online program to improve their language and literacy skills in the English language. Students utilize this program during instructional time, technology specials, and at home. Teachers should have shared Imagine Language & Literacy login information with parents so that students can utilize this resource at home as well. If you have any questions about your child's login information, please reach out to your child’s teacher. Your support is greatly appreciated!

We will have a new ice cream procedure beginning Tuesday, 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!

Parent Lunch

Students can have no more than 2 visitors for lunch. Strollers are not allowed in the cafeteria. Parents may sit at the Parent Table with their students during your student's scheduled lunch time. Students are expected to return to their class and teacher when the class dismisses from the cafeteria. If a parent needs to check out a student after lunch; please go to the front office to request a student checkout with your ID. Parent visitation beyond the cafeteria is not allowed. 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

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.

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.

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!

What: Parent Mentors Present: “Families Engaging in Education” – 4 Session Workshop

When: October 1, October 31, and November 14, 10:00 – 11:30 AM or 6:00-7:30PM

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

Zoom registration link for 6pm session

YOUR STUDENT IS INVITED TO A SCHOOL GRIEF GROUP

KATE’S CLUB

ABOUT KATE’S CLUB

Kate’s Club empowers children and teens, their families, and young adults facing life after the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver or someone important them.

SCHOOL GRIEF GROUPS

School-based grief groups are offered conveniently on campus and during the school day, at no cost to you and your family. This weekly group meets for 6+ weeks and gives students the opportunity to connect with others experiencing grief, just like them. They are recreational programs rooted in support, connection and fun.

Kate’s Club also provides a variety of other grief support services to children, families and young adults throughout Georgia. Visit katesclub.org for more information.

NEXT STEP: COMPLETE THE ONLINE PERMISSION FORM

To complete the online permission form, scan the QR code or click this link: bit.ly/griefgroupregistration. If you can’t complete the online form, please reach out to your school counselor for a paper copy.

The last day to complete the permission slip form for this semester is October 7th.

We hope our students and school staff have a safe and relaxing Fall Break! We look forward to welcoming students and staff members back to learning when classes resume on Tuesday, October 15.

Fall Picture Day is on Wednesday, October 16. These pictures will be in the school Yearbook!

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

Tuesday, October 15: Math (Grades 3-5)

Wednesday, October 16: Science (Grades 3-5)

Thursday, October 17: S.S. (Grades 3-5)

Please join us for Spirit Night at Stevi B's on Thursday, October 17 from 5:00-8:00PM. Students should say they are from Meadowcreek Elementary and their teacher's name! The class with the most students to attend will win a pizza party!

Yearbooks are on sale for $25.00. The price will increase to $30.00 on November 1.

GCPS sent an email to all parents in July to complete/sign off on all your required documents in ParentSquare. This message was posted on July 23, 2024. Parents will need to click on the message to view orientation documents and then sign off. This includes the following documents:

• Free/Reduced Lunch Application: The free/reduced application must be completed each school year if assistance with meals, AP exam registration and/or college applications is needed.
• GCPS 2024-2025 Student Conduct Behavior Code
• GCPS 2024-2025 Handbook Information for Students and Families
• Attendance Protocol: GCPS 2024-2025 Handbook Information for Students & Families
• Extracurricular Activities: GCPS 2024-2025 Handbook Information for Students & Families
• Media Release Opt-Out: GCPS 2024-2025 Handbook Information for Students & Families
• Parent AKS Overview: Overview of Academic Knowledge and Skills for your student.
• The Plan/The Promise: A written agreement that outlines how the school, the students, and families will work together to ensure your child’s academic success.

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is required by law to verify the address of each and every student who attends our schools. This annual process, detailed on the district’s website, ensures students attend their zoned schools. Address verification helps maintain balanced enrollment, preventing overcrowding and ensuring optimal learning environments. It also ensures that resources like teachers, materials, and funding are allocated appropriately, supporting balanced class sizes and individualized attention.

Last spring, GCPS informed parents and guardians that students enrolled under specific conditions—Residency Affidavit, Permissive Transfer, Kinship Caregiver Affidavit, Homeless, or Foster Care—would need to renew their forms with proof of residency. GCPS recognizes that this requirement can be challenging for families whose family members or landlords are not locally available. District and local school leaders are actively working with these families to find solutions that meet district requirements and state law. We encourage families to continue working with their local schools to resolve any issues.

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.

The GCPS Book Mobile 5K and Fun Run will be held on Saturday, November 2, at the GCPS Instructional Support Center, located at 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW, in Suwanee.

This Book Mobile 5K and Fun Run will raise funds to purchase new books for the Book Mobile program, putting books in students’ hands. A family-friendly atmosphere before and after the race features door prizes, snacks, music, and more!

Cost:

• 5K - $35 through October 18
  
• 5K - $40 – October 19 – November 2
• Family Discount - (4+ registrants) $5.00 discount per registrant
• Fun Run - $18; increases to $20 after October 18
• Virtual Run - $35 on or before August 29
• Virtual Run - $40 after August 29
• Virtual Run - $45 after October 18

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!

Here's a fun way to encourage your elementary schooler to write. Give your child a special notebook. Say it is for writing a special story—one sentence at a time.

Write down the date that your child begins to write. Then, each day, have your student write one sentence—and only one—to move the story along. It's helpful if you set aside a regular time for this writing. And if your child is just learning to write, stay nearby to offer help if needed.

Once a week, suggest adding an illustration. Over time, your child will have written an imaginative and fun storybook.

Brought to you by:

Gwinnett County Public Schools

© 2024 The Parent Institute, a Division of PaperClip Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.

To honor your academic engagement with our school, Meadowcreek Elementary is encouraging all families to please consider submitting a photo of you and your child completing any academic engagement activity to post on our Meadowcreek Family Engagement Wall of Fame!

Below are samples of family academic engagement:

• Reading with your child

• Assisting or checking student homework

• Open House

• Digital Learning

• First day of school

• Attending Parent-Teacher conferences

• Volunteering in the classroom, Parent Center, and Media Center

• Attending Parent Nights at school

*Must be school-related photos beginning from September 2024-October 2024

Early childhood experiences are so important to lifelong learning. If you have a child between the ages of one month and 5 years old and are looking for ways to encourage him/her to play, learn, and grow; consider joining our FREE Play2Learn Program here at Meadowcreek Elementary for the 2024-2025 school year. Play2Learn classes meet once a week for 90 minutes. One adult must be present with the student during class. For more information, please contact Mrs. Pena-Perez at (770) 381-4248 or visit the school.

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.

*You do NOT need to complete the form if your child is currently enrolled in Play2Learn*

We are so excited to offer Little Learners Academy for our early learners at Meadowcreek Elementary! This program is open to all families and will be held the last Wednesday of every month. 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:

October 30, 2024

November 20, 2024

December 18, 2024

January 29, 2025

February 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

April 30, 2025

Internet available as low as $9.95 plus tax!

Call 855-846-8376 for assistance.

Get news, updates, announcements, school resources, and more! Download the new GCPS App today!

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.