It has been a short week, with a lot to accomplish. We had some IB site visit digital guests last week and we are preparing for some special visitors to the building on Tuesday. We are grateful for all the opportunities to show OUR stuff.

Progress Reports were scheduled for last Friday, but not all were delivered. We are rescheduling Progress Reports for October 16. Look for them, then.

We are thankful for all of OUR parents and families and we hope you enjoy your Fall Break this week. Stay safe, get some rest, and most of all, take some time to be together as a family. We'll see you back here at Summerour on Tuesday, rested and ready to rock as Respectful, Responsible, Role Models!

October 7, 8, & 11

No school!

• October 7-11: Fall Break
• October 13: Math Interim
• October 14: Hispanic Heritage Night
• October 16: Progress Reports
• October 20: Digital Learning Day
• October 21: Early release
• October 22: PTA Reflections due
• October 23: JLC Raider Competition, Lilburn MS
• October 28: Jr. Thespian Induction
• October 31: Khan Academy 32% Due

While meals will be provided at no charge for all students this school year, families whose students would be eligible for meal support in a typical year should complete the free/reduced-price meal application as soon as possible.

Eligibility for free/reduced-price meals ensures access to many benefits beyond school meals (free SAT/ACT, free college applications, free/reduced internet, additional technology for schools, training/resources for parents to use at home, etc.)

Apply Now! Apply Here!

Our kids have a recurring math assignment, which is to make it to 32% progress level on Khan Academy by Halloween. We are giving incentives out each month. We also have a Khan Saturday Program - ask your math teacher to join!

Deadline Change!

This year's PTA Reflections theme is "I can change the world by..."

Students can enter submissions to 7 categories: Dance, Literature, Film Production, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts and Special Artist. Please see the attached entry form and requirements below (reflections-form-eng.pdf).

There is a tight deadline for this: If students submit work they must have the attached form filled out including their artist statement. Each category has a different requirement so please make sure that if your student is interested, the student reads the criteria for submission carefully. A written artist's statement is also required.

Submissions are due to Ms. Sharpe by Friday, October 22th at 4PM.

If you're interested in signing up for a parent conference this month, please reach directly to your child's homeroom teacher for a scheduled time

Our wonderful 6th graders had an AMAZING time at JA Biztown last week. They learned about starting businesses, supply and demand, and marketing. Please ask your child what they loved about Biztown!

Mr. Lenie George

6th Grade Assistant Principal

Lenie.George@gcpsk12.org

770-417-2494

Mrs. Pam Griswell

6th Grade Counselor

Pam.Griswell@gcpsk12.org

770-417-2491

7th Grade Upcoming Assessment Dates

ELA

Unit 3 - 10/25

Unit 4 - 11/8

MATH

Math 10/13

Standard Math Unit 2 - 11/5

Accelerated Geometry Test - 11/10

SCIENCE

Body Systems - 10/27

11-17 - Tentative date

12-16 - tentative date

SOCIAL STUDIES

10/25 and 11/17

Mr. Stacy James

7th Grade Assistant Principal

stacy.james@gcpsk12.org

770-417-2486

Mrs. Yunilda Valdez

7th Grade Counselor

yunilda.valdez@gcpsk12.org

770-417-2480

Remind your child to be working on their Khan Academy Math progress. This month's goal is 32% complete by Halloween.

Have you done your Science USA Test Prep... Awards coming!

How many Blue Bucks did your child earn today? Ask them.

Mrs. Christy Gray

8th Grade Assistant Principal

Christian.Gray@gcpsk12.org

770-453-2051

Mrs. Robin Blackwell

8th Grade Counselor

Robin.Blackwell@gcpsk12.org

770-417-2487

Mrs. Kimberly Blackshear

Gear Up/ Special Education Counselor

Kimberly.Blackshear@gcpsk12.org

770-797-2960

In accordance with Senate Bill 401, Gwinnett County Public Schools is using the Teen Lures Prevention Program to educate our students on personal safety. A letter has been mailed/sent home which includes additional information about the program. Please return the letter by October 11, 2021, if you do not want your student to participate. Thank you.

GCPS is seeking your feedback on next year's school calendars. We are offering 3 options, and all 3 are linked below. Look over them carefully to see which you prefer.

If you have a strong preference you can respond on the Microsoft form below. Provide your preference and any comments you see fit. We will compile the data locally and pass it along.

Here is the gist of the calendars (but look over them personally to make your preference decision):

Option 1:

• Identical to the current calendar
• 3 day staggered start
  
• Fall break and a similar break in February
• Early Release each semester
• 3 Digital Learning Days each semester

Option 2:

• 2 day staggered start
  
• Fall break and a similar break in February
• Early Release each semester
• 1 Digital Learning Day Fall semester only

Option 3:

• Later start
  
• No staggered start
• Fall break and a similar break in February
• Early Release each semester
• 1 Digital Learning Day Fall semester only
• Shorter Winter Break (due to later start)

December 7, 2021

February 1, 2022

April 12, 2022

* all meetings will be held from 5 - 6:30 pm

OUR Students * OUR School * OUR Community * OUR Future

Website: www.gcpsk12.org/SummerourMS
Location: 321 Price Place Northwest, Norcross, GA, USA
Phone: 770-448-3045
Facebook: facebook.com/SummerourMS
Twitter: @SummerourMS

There has been a recent increase in social media challenges that are very concerning. GCPS takes the issue seriously. These challenges highlight the need to educate our students to think critically about the challenges and pranks they may encounter on social media. Parents, please take a look at the Social Media Parent Tips attached below and see where you can help.