MUSTANG NEWS
Cliftondale Elementary School-Community Newsletter
August 18, 2023
Happy Friday Mustangs!
Thank you for another great week! Please review school updates for the week:
- TITLE I STATUS: Cliftondale continues to receive funding as a Title I School. These funds support with student instruction, improve instructional strategies, and increase family engagement. Our Title I status is determined annually by the number of families participating in our free/reduced lunch program. We need your help Mustang-Parents! All we need is for you to complete a School Lunch Application for your household. To qualify for free/reduced lunch, you must complete a School Lunch Application.
- SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT 2024: School safety remains a top priority for us, and we take maintaining a safe and secure learning environment extremely seriously. The FCS Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook contains vital information that will help your child understand the expectations of the district and Cliftondale Elementary School. Please make sure to thoroughly review our Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook with your student. Additionally, parents and community members entering the building must exhibit a good example for students in their conduct, language and behavior while on campus. Anyone not respecting any reasonable request from a school employee in the performance of his/her duties may be asked to leave school premises and, in some cases, may be prohibited from access to the school.
Once you have read the electronic version and have reviewed the contents with your student(s), please take a moment to complete the Acknowledgement of Receipt Form by using the provided link to access Infinite Campus' Parent Portal. Here is a link with instructions on how to complete the Acknowledgement of Receipt Form (Link). All parents and students (over 10 years old) MUST sign this form found within your INFINTE CAMPUS PARENT/STUDENT PORTAL ACCOUNT. - SEATBELT BUS REQUIREMENT: It is now Board Policy that students must wear seatbelts if they are riding in a bus that offers seatbelts (all our propane). Students that fail to comply will receive disciplinary referral for not wearing their seatbelt. Please help us to keep your child safe by reminding them to wear their seatbelt at all times. We appreciate you helping Transportation to get this message out!
MAPLE COVID SURVEY: FCS continues to partner with the Metro Atlanta Policy Lab for Education (MAPLE) at Georgia State University to gain insight into the impacts of the pandemic. We wish to better understand students’ experiences during and after the pandemic to better understand and meet our students' needs moving forward. Please complete this optional and anonymous survey by clicking this link: https://fultonschools.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3lpnaRG2USGTurs. The survey will close on Wednesday, September 6th.
MORNING ARRIVAL/AFTERNOON DISMISSAL: As previously communicated, we welcome parents in each morning to walk their child to class. Parents are welcomed to escort students to class daily up until 7:35 am. Parents arriving after this time will not be permitted beyond the front office as instruction begins at 7:40 am.
Parents can check students out early anytime up until 2:00 pm. If you wish to check your student out early, please report to our front office with identification prior to 2:00 pm daily. Our students will only be released a bus rider, car rider, afterschool, or van. If your child is a car rider, you must join the car rider line. It will be long as we many of our students are car riders, and we thank you for your patience and your cooperation.RESIDENCY DOCUMENTATION -CURRENT 2ND GRADE STUDENTS: In Fulton County Schools, all students entering 2nd grade, 7th grade, and 10th grade will be required to submit proof of residency prior to the start of their enrollment in the aforementioned grades. All proofs of residency must be provided with the parent(s)/ guardian(s) name and address. Parents of 2nd grade students have received several notices.
COVID REPORTING PORTAL: Fulton County Schools (FCS) remains committed to communicating updates and/or changes to COVID-related protocols within the district. Parents should report only positive cases to the Parent portal. Do not submit a report if you are waiting on a pending test result or for an exposure/direct contact. Fulton County Board of Health Case Investigators, FCS School Nurses and FCS Case Investigators will response to student and staff cases. Please be safe, and as always: Do not come send your child to school sick. If your child tests positive, please keep he/she home and isolate (follow the guidance provided by the Case Investigators and your provider). Please submit the positive test results via the PARENT PORTAL
Have a great weekend!
A. Nicole Canty
Principal
Cliftondale Elementary School
RESIDENCY VERIFICATION - 2ND GRADE STUDENTS
CURRNET 2ND GRADE PARENTS: In Fulton County Schools, all students entering 2nd grade, 7th grade, and 10th grade will be required to submit proof of residency prior to the start of their enrollment in the aforementioned grades. All proofs of residency must be provided with the parent(s)/ guardian(s) name and address.
Utility Proof- Please provide a copy of your most recent utility bill
- Electric monthly statement; OR
- Water monthly statement
**Gas bills are not accepted in Fulton County Schools
Residence Proof: - Please provide a copy of (1) of the items provided below:
- Home Mortgage Bill;
- Home Sale Contract;
- current Apartment/House Lease
- Section Eight/HUD Housing Document; OR
- Current HOA Bill
**Residency verification must be completed prior to August 7, 2023. Parent/guardians may provide the (2) proofs of residency from the approved list as detailed above to our school Data Clerk, Ms. Allen at allenk3@fultonschools.org OR in-person via our front office. Please make sure to include each student's first and last names with the residency documents. Parents may review the full policy by clicking the provided link: http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9TZHPX4902EC
INFINITE CAMPUS - PARENT PORTAL
Are you registered for your Campus Parent Portal Account? If not, REGISTER TODAY! Everything you need as a parent is contained in the parent portal. You can monitor your student's grades throughout the school year, review your child's schedule, download progress reports and report cards, update your contact information, register other students within your household, withdrawal your student and so much more! If you already have an account, you do not need to register again. New users should click the link provided to register: Parent Portal Registration
*Please note, if you DO NOT have an email address on file, you will be unable to register via the provided link. Please call the school and ask for our Data Clerk, Ms. Allen.
SCHOOL NUTRITION DEPARTMENT
The Free & Reduced Meal Benefits Program is a part of the National Child Nutrition Program. This program makes Free or Reduced priced meals available to qualifying households. Qualifications are based on the gross income of all household members and the number of persons living in the house. A new application must be completed every school year. If there is an interruption in benefits or the household does not reapply, the household is responsible for payment of meals until the Free and Reduced Application is approved.
Cliftondale continues to receive funding as a Title I School. These funds support with student instruction, improve instructional strategies, and increase family engagement. Our Title I status is determined annually by the number of families participating in our free/reduced lunch program. We need your help Mustang-Parents! All we need is for you to complete a School Lunch Application for your household. It’s that simple!
Free & Reduced Meal Applications are available in the cafeteria and anytime online. Visit www.fulton.schoollunchapp.com to begin the online application process.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MENUS
MYPAYMENT PLUS
MyPaymentPlus to prepay for student meals
FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS
School Lunch Application will be available after July 24, 2023.
SMART CELEBRATIONS
Parents, family members and friends are not allowed to bring in cakes, balloon bouquets, flowers, goodie bags, gifts, pizza, or any other type of treat to celebrate a student birthday. Teachers are not allowed to celebrate birthdays in the class with a party or a snack either. Rather, parents may purchase a Smart Celebrations Package from the cafeteria. This can be done to student birthdays and/or any other classroom celebrations. Smart Celebration packets should be purchased in the cafeteria at least (2) days in advance. Please contact our Nutrition Manager, Ms. Curry at curryd1@fultonschools.org
BRIGHT FROM THE START PK ORIENTATION NIGHT
Grandparents' Day Breakfast
Also, please email pictures of your Cliftondale student with his/her grandparents by September 9th. Parents should email pictures to youngj1@fultonschools.org
PTA NEEDS YOU!
JOIN US FOR CLUSTER NIGHT
BACK 2 SCHOOL SILENT DANCE PARTY
FAMILY KARAOKE NIGHT
CLICK HERE to submit your registration to perform at Karaoke Night.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
~SEMESTER 1 SCHOOL EVENTS~
August 22, 2023: Bright from the Start PK Orientation Night 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
August 25, 2023: Cluster Night at Langston Hughes High School 5:00pm-7:00 pm
September 1, 2023: Mustang of the Month – 8:30 am
September 4, 2023: Labor Day Holiday- Schools Closed
September 5, 2023: Teacher Workday- No School for Students
September 6, 2023: Professional Development Day-No School for Students
September 12, 2023: Moms on the Move 8:00 AM-9:30 AM/Dads on Duty 6:55 AM- 8:00AM
September 12, 2023: Fall Picture Day
September 13, 2023: Grandparents’ Breakfast 8:30 am
September 13, 2023: 4 ½ Week Progress Report (viewable in Parent Portal)
September 14-October 2, 2023: Fall Fundraiser
September 20, 2023: Boy Scouts of America Class Visits
September 21, 2023: Boy Scouts of America Parent Interest Meeting at 5:30 pm
September 26, 2023: Annual Title I Meeting at 5:30 pm/
Curriculum Night immediately following the Title I Meeting
October 4, 2023: Moms on the Move 8:00 AM-9:30 AM/Dads on Duty 6:55 AM- 8:00AM
October 4, 2023: Parent Workshop: Literacy
October 6, 2023: Mustang of the Month – 8:30 am
October 9, 2023: Columbus Day Holiday- Schools Closed
October 10, 2023: Teacher Workday- No School for Students
October 11, 2023: Professional Development Day-No School for Students
October 13, 2023: 9-Week Progress Report (viewable in Parent Portal)
October 23-31, 2023: Red Ribbon Week
October 25, 2023: Fall Picture Retake Day
October 30, 2023: Fall Fundraiser Pickup Day
October 30, 2023: Trunk or Treat
November 1, 2023: Moms on the Move 8:00 AM-9:30 AM/Dads on Duty 6:55 AM- 8:00AM
November 1, 2023: Parent Workshop: Technology
November 3, 2023: Mustang of the Month – 8:30 am
November 7, 2023: Election Day/ Remote Learning Day
November 15-17, 2023: Holiday Luncheons
November 15, 2023: 13 ½ Week Progress Report (viewable in Parent Portal)
November 20-24, 2023: Thanksgiving Holidays- Schools Closed
December 1, 2023: Mustang of the Month – 8:30 am
December 6, 2023: Moms on the Move 8:00 AM-9:30 AM/Dads on Duty 6:55 AM- 8:00AM
December 6, 2023: School Spelling Bee
December 6-8, 2023: Winter Concert Series
December 13-14, 2023: Class Holiday Party
December 15, 2023: Last Day of First Semester
December 18-January 1, 2024: Winter Break- Schools Closed
Please also remember Car Rider Etiquettes:
- Please be alert at all times! We have students exiting vehicles, parents and students crossing the street, and staff supporting students as they exit their vehicle. Please be attentive to all mustangs.
- Please do not park in the car rider loop. The car rider loop is for quick drop offs only. If you would like to exit your vehicle and escort your child into the school, please park in a nearby visitors parking space. Parents may escort students to class up until 7:35 am daily.
- Please have your student ready to exit the vehicle. This means, make sure his/her bookbag and other belongs are ready and easily accessible. This speeds up the process tremendously!
- Pull all the way forward to cone #1.
- Help your student learn his/her car rider number.
- Please be patient!
FULTON SCHOOLS TIP LINE
See It. Hear It. And Report It Every Time
If you SEE or HEAR anything about school threats, weapons, violence, bullying, drugs, self-harm, or have other school safety suspicions or concerns, REPORT it EVERY time anonymously using the SHARE TIP LINE.
Join the FCS News Emailing List
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DISTRICT 4 COMMUNITY MEETINGS
NEW! BOARD POLICY OFFICE HOURS
It has become apparent that district employees and guardians are eager to understand the policy process better and stay updated. Therefore, Continuous Improvement will begin hosting a monthly virtual office hour for all stakeholders to attend, where a Strategy & Governance team member can answer questions and provide guidance. Mark your calendar for the first session on August 16, from 8:00 – 9:00 AM. You can find all the dates, times, and Teams links at www.fultonschools.org/policyupdates. If you have any questions, please reach out to Erin Nusnbaum.
ADVANCED STUDIES/TAG DEPARTMENT
The consideration for gifted services may be reported or automatic as defined by the GaDOE Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services. The Fulton County School System screens all students for eligibility for gifted services twice a year and uses a systematic approach to identify highly capable students who may qualify for gifted services. The gifted teacher routinely reviews available data to refer students for further assessment. Students meeting either the automatic screening OR the classroom screening criteria AND who have supporting data gathered from test history, products, and/or advanced content levels are referred for additional testing to determine gifted eligibility.
BUS RIDERS/BUS STOP INFORMATION - CLICK HERE to verify your child's assigned bus stop info. All stop times are approximate times. If you have questions pertaining your child’s assigned stop or assigned bus, please contact FCS Transportation Department at 470-254-6060.
"Here Comes The Bus App" is a free, easy-to-use website and app that enables you to see the location of your child’s school bus on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. This way, you know when the bus is near your stop, so you can send your child out at just the right time. No more worrying about whether your child has missed the bus! If you have questions or concerns regarding your child's assigned bus or bus stop, please contact FCS Transportation Department at 470-254-6060 OR contact our supervisor:
Cheowana Henderson, Supervisor
Hendersonc1@fultonschools.org
Charisse Weigner, Special Needs Supervisor
weignerc@fultonschools.org
- The app will request a school code, which is 87428
- How do you access your student's student ID number? Parents may access their child's student ID number from the parent portal in Infinite Campus.
- If you add your child and the bus number or bus stop is incorrect, please contact our supervisor, Ms. Henderson
- If you add your child and their is no bus route displayed, please contact our supervisor, Ms. Henderson.
IS YOUR CHILD TOO SICK FOR SCHOOL?
Fulton County Schools (FCS) remains committed to communicating updates and/or changes to COVID-related protocols within the district. Maintaining face-to-face instruction is a top priority for our district. Fulton County Schools will conduct case investigations and contact tracing for positive cases only. Parents should report only positive cases to the Parent portal. Do not submit a report if you are waiting on a pending test result or for an exposure/direct contact. Fulton County Board of Health Case Investigators, FCS School Nurses and FCS Case Investigators will response to student and staff cases. Please be safe, and as always: Do not come send your child to school sick. If your child tests positive, please keep he/she home and isolate (follow the guidance provided by the Case Investigators and your provider). Please submit the positive test results via the PARENT PORTAL
Principal: Mrs. Canty- cantya@fultonschools.org
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Long- longt@fultonschools.org
Curriculum Support Teacher: Yazmin Hicks- hicksz@fultonschools.org
School Counselor: Dr. Ford- fordb@fultonschools.org
Instructional Support Teacher: Dr. Shabo- shabog@fultonschools.org
K-2 Literacy Coach: Mrs. Kalista- kalista@fultonschools.org
3rd-5th Grade Literacy Coach: Ms. Johnson- johnsonkr1@fultonschools.org
Math Coach: Mrs. Everett - everettba@fultonschools.org
Parent Liaison: Ms. Render- renderhh@fultonschools.org
School Social Worker: Dr. Carver- carvera@fultonschools.org