An Update From Principal Boyd
Every Scholar. Every Day. NO EXCUSES!
October 23, 2024
Parents,
I can't believe that we are well into fall already! It seems like we just reopened our doors to our scholars to begin the 2024-25 school year. Instead, we have completed the first 9 weeks of school and I couldn't be more proud of the growth and progress our scholars and staff are making. This is only possible with your support and engagement; and for that I am grateful.
I wanted to share some personal news with you regarding an upcoming leave of absence. I was recently diagnosed with two aggressive spinal conditions that require me to have surgery on November 13th. While I've been managing an increase in symptoms, I plan to continue working until November 12th, with a proposed return date of January 6th. Taking care of others has always been my passion, which is why I became a principal. While I believe it is a gift, it sometimes leads to me neglecting myself and my own health. So, I am going to follow doctor's orders and sit down for six weeks to ensure that I recover fully.
I am awaiting confirmation from the district about whether an interim principal will be appointed in my absence. Regardless, I have complete confidence in Ms. Stafford, Ms. Walker, and my administrative team to keep things running smoothly.
Thank you so much for your understanding and support during this time. I look forward to returning with a renewed energy to continue doing the work I love, which is supporting our scholars.
I will keep you posted.
In Partnership,
Principal Boyd
What's Happening at EJ?
Movie Night
A huge thank you to our Movie Night Chair, Casey Melton, our PTA, and all of our staff/parent volunteers for putting on a fantastic movie night! I love when our community comes together and last Friday was an example of how amazing the Esther Jackson community really is. I am truly grateful!
Dress-Up Day
On Wednesday, October 31, Esther Jackson will celebrate Dress-Up Day. Students are allowed to wear costumes that are school appropriate. Please do not allow students to wear costumes with blood, inflatables, masks/face coverings, offensive words/pictures, and no weapons. Also, to keep everyone safe, please do NOT send students to school with candy, cookies, cupcakes, or food to share.
Students should leave all treats home. Thank you for helping us keep Esther Jackson a safe school environment😊.
Election Day
Tuesday, November 5th is Election Day and students will not report to the building. Instead, they will have a remote learning day, which will consist of an at-home activity for students to complete and return to their teachers. Please look for more specific information about this day from your child's teacher.
Annual Perception Survey
The district is administering an Annual Perception Survey to students, staff, and parents/guardians from October 16th through November 22, which is much earlier than usual. All parents should have received an email from Fulton County with information about the survey and a link to participate. I am including a direct link to the survey below. ALL parents are encouraged to take this survey and provide feedback on our school and the district.
Last year, our participation rate was 24.6%. As a reminder, your input matters. This survey is partly representative of Esther Jackson, and it is important to us that the narrative surrounding our school is truly reflective of EJ. Let's work together to boost our participation rate this year!
https://www.fultonschools.org/AnnualParentSurvey
Loved Ones Luncheon
Our annual Loved Ones Luncheon will take place on two days again this year.
Kinder, 2nd, and 4th - Tuesday, November 19th
PreK, 1st, 3d, and 5th - Wednesday, November 20th
ALL Esther Jackson students are able to eat free of charge😊. The charge for all visitors (parents and children) is $5.00. We are pre-selling tickets this year to assist with expediting lines. Please be on the lookout for the revised lunch schedule for both days and ticket information soon.
Talent Show
A reminder that our annual Talent Show will take place on November 14th! Ms. Vitagliano and team have been conducting auditions and working with students to confirm their acts. Once participants are confirmed, we ask parents of those students to encourage them to practice at home. This is always a great event... I can't wait to see what talent is displayed at EJ this year!
PTA Spirit Night
Our next PTA Spirit Night will take place at The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill on November 6th from 5 - 9:00 pm. Bring the family for dinner (after voting) and don't forget to tell them that you are Team EJ! Flyer below.
Dates to Remember
October
21-25 - Red Ribbon Week
23 - English Classes @9:00
31 - English Classes @9:00
31 - Dress Up Day
November
5 - Election Day and Teacher Workday - REMOTE LEARNING DAY FOR STUDENTS!
6 - Parent English Classes at EJ
6 - Zone 5 EJ Site Visit
7 - PreK Vision Screening
7 - STAR House Thanksgiving celebration
11 - School Psychologist Week Begins
11 - Mass Hearing Screening (1st 3rd, 5th grades)
13 - Career and College Day
13 - Principal Boyd Surgery
14 - EJ Talent Show
17 - FOR Sunday with Home Church Roswell
18-22 - Scholastic Book Fair
19 - Loved Ones Luncheon, Grades K, 2nd, and 4th
20 - Loved Ones Luncheon, Grades 1st, 3rd, 5th, PreK
20 - Parent English Class at EJ
21 - Multicultural Night
22 - Substitute Teacher Day
25-29 - Thanksgiving Break