HMES

HAPPY SUNDAY!!!

I hope you all stayed warm and safe during last week’s unexpected turn of events. I want to thank each of you for your flexibility and willingness to adapt to the changes we faced.

A HUGE shoutout to our amazing staff! They did an outstanding job providing you and your children with resources and engaging activities during each snow day. Their dedication to your child’s success is something we deeply appreciate.

Another huge thank you to Ms. Grimes and Ms. Martin for their incredible support in sponsoring and preparing the Reading Bowl Team! Their dedication made a real difference. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to our amazing staff volunteers: Ms. Terry-Boyd, Ms. Pugh, Ms. Celestaine, Mr. Crawford (Harry the Hawk), and Dr. Sudler, whose commitment helped make this event a success. And a big shoutout to the parents who came out on a Saturday to show their support! Your involvement truly made a positive impact. Thank you all!

Safety Protocols

I also want to continue emphasizing the importance of following safety protocols. Thanks to your cooperation, we’ve been doing well in this area. Please remain vigilant and prioritize student safety, especially during carpool hours. It is essential that all families follow the guidance of our staff during both AM and PM carpool times to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

We look forward to seeing you at our Student-Parent Data Talks this week. You will learn about Georgia Milestones and listen to your child share their data. Your participation is essential in supporting your child’s progress. We’re excited to engage with both families and students as we continue working together toward their success. Let's make sure that every parent shows up for their child!

Student Attendance
I’d like to take a moment to stress how critical student attendance is. It is absolutely essential that your child is present and on time every school day, unless they are genuinely ill. Our goal is for students to miss no more than 18 days of school throughout the year. Last year, our overall attendance rate was 80%, but our target for this year is 95%. We need your full support to help us reach this goal, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to receive the education they deserve.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and as always, Henderson Mill Elementary takes great pride in acknowledging and celebrating our beautifully diverse population. In addition to the curriculum taught in your child’s class, we are planning a school-wide culminating event, and EVERY student is invited to participate! Our dedicated staff has volunteered to work with students in preparing for the program—please see the link below for further details. Please note that misconduct, late parent pick-up, or frequent absences may result in removal from the program. To secure your child’s participation, please complete a form for each child by January 26th. The event will take place on February 28th at 6 pm. Students will still be able to participate in their clubs, but rehearsal dates and times will vary.

As always, thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating and nurturing your children. Your continued support makes all the difference.

Let’s make this week count—on purpose!

-Dr. Blanton

Upcoming Events

• Monday, January 27th (3rd Grade) Student-Parent Data Talks - 9am cafeteria we hope every student has a parent to share their data with!
• Tuesday, January 28th (4th Grade) Student-Parent Data Talks - 9am cafeteria we hope every student has a parent to share their data with!
• Wednesday, January 29th (5th Grade) Student-Parent Data Talks - 9am cafeteria we hope every student has a parent to share their data with!

• Wednesday, January 29th-

• Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd - Grade Spring Conferences 3pm to 5pm
• 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, and 5th Grade Beginning Level conferences
• Parent Milestones Boot Camp
• 3:30-3:55
• 4:00-4:25
• 4:30-4:55

• Tuesday, February 4th 9:30am - 10:30am Henderson Mill PTSA Parent Tour for all rising 6th graders.

• Thursday, February 6th In person Coffee and Conversation- Cafeteria (9:45am and 12:30pm)

• Friday, February 7th Movie Night (Club Fundraiser)
• Thursday, February 13th- Valentine's Dance 5:30pm - 7:30pm
• Monday, February 17th- Friday, February21st - February Break (Students)
• Tuesday, February 4th 7pm (ZOOM) - February PTA Board and Committee Meeting
• Monday, February 24th 9:30am -10:15am - February Spring Interest Tour
• Wednesday, February 26th 4:30pm -February Spring Interest Tour

• Thursday, February 27th (6pm – in-person) -African American History Month Program

  PTO General Meeting
• See more upcoming dates on the PTO calendar and flyers below.

Rising 6th grade parents only. It is time to register for middle school. Please see link below to complete registration. This is due January 24th.

Reminder to complete our Georgia School Climate Survey (GSCS) if you have not already:

https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=C48D6D86

This survey is a statewide and also anonymous. This survey identifies issues that affect student achievement and school climate for our CCRPI school rating.

The GSCS is designed to provide actionable data for school and district leaders to make schools safer and more engaging. See link for more information: https://gadoe.org/whole-child-supports/school-climate/

Help transform a school space to provide a better learning environment with Georgia United Foundation's School Crashers program. Over 76 schools have already enjoyed improved spaces, from sensory rooms to vibrant learning areas. Henderson Mill Elementary is an accredited K-12 school in Georgia that could benefit from a makeover? Nominate us today. The more nominations the greater our chances.

Nominate our School by January 31, 2025

Complete the online nomination form and include a compelling story about why your school or classroom deserves a makeover. Photos are recommended to showcase the need for facility improvements.

Spring Movie Night is Coming!

Join us for a fun-filled evening in the cafeteria on Friday, February 7 at 6 PM, sponsored by your PTO. This event is perfect for the whole family!

• Pre-order your meals and lock in the best prices.
• Sign up to volunteer and help make the night a success.
• Your students get to decide! They’ll vote to pick the movie from a list of top choices—a great way to see democracy in action.

Sales and volunteer forms close February 6 at noon. Let’s make this a night to remember!

• School doors open at 7:00am and breakfast begins, to avoid traffic plan to arrive early!
• After breakfast Intervention/Enrichment begins. This is a critical time for students that need support.
• 7:30am breakfast ends
• 7:40am Morning Announcements start
• 7:45am Instruction begins
• 2:15pm Dismissal begins, bus riders, van riders, walkers, car riders, and then aftercare are released. We ask that parents that pick up students in cars, allow our buses to be first in line. Buses arrive at 1:30pm and should be able to park in front of all cars.
• 2:30pm All students should be dismissed from classes.
• 2:45pm Parents arriving after this time will have to pick their child up from aftercare and there is a drop in fee that you will be required to pay.

-Henderson Mill Staff

https://www.gavirtuallearning.org/gatutor

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