May 1st, 2017

High Point News

Week of: May 1st, 2017

*****************NEWS****************

Condolences
Our sincerest condolences go out to Gina Milazzo for the loss of her grandmother. Please keep Gina and her family in your thoughts during this difficult time. 

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High Point Hound Bowl
The High Point Hound Bowl Saturday was a huge success!! There were two High Point teams of 4th and 5th graders who competed alongside students from Spalding Drive, Woodland, Dunwoody Springs, and Lake Forest!! A HUGE thank you goes out to Kerstin Long, Brian Madej, Sheri Hess, and Sarah Ittig for organizing and supporting our students in this amazing Math Tournament!!!

William Tompkins won 2nd place in the 5th Individual Competition and High Point's 5th Grade team won 2nd place in the 5th Grade Team Event!!! Way to go!!! 

  

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End of the Year Party
Today is the LAST day to RSVP for the End of the Year Party! Please let Lib know to reserve your spot!! You can pay right up until the day of the party. Consider banding together with your team or a friend to pay if you forget your cash! We hope to see EVERYONE there!!!

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NEW STUDENT ROUND-UP!  

May 4th at 3 pm (during your PLC's)!  Students and parents will be given a tour of our school with special emphasis on their particular grade-level and Special Areas!  Please introduce yourself as we stop by, give them a hearty High Point welcome, answer any questions they might have, etc.....

PLEASE:

• Check your bulletin boards for torn or hanging border or work and staple them back on! We want our bulletin boards to be orderly and have an academic focus!
• Check your hallways and classrooms for neatness and remove extraneous clutter! All extra tables in the hallways need to be removed.  (They will look in each of the classrooms and Special Areas, except Spanish. Ms. Park please hang out with the other specials teachers!)      

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TKES and PKES

All TKES Summative Assessments and Conferences are to be completed and signed-off by May 15th!! Please make sure you have signed off on all the necessary components in TKES by that time! 

PKES Employees: The self-assessment should be completed by this Friday. The end of year evaluations need to be completed and signed-off by May 26th. Please email Pitchford or Alexander if you wish to have an end of year conference. 

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End of year procedures for iPads, Laptops, and Classroom Equipment:
- ALL Student ipads will be placed back in the ipad containers with all charging cords and power bricks and returned to the Media Center on May 24th
- Any teacher who is leaving High Point will return his/her teacher ipad on May 24th
- All classroom EQUIPMENT and BOOKS you want to KEEP will need to be entered into this form: https://goo.gl/forms/anNNthErw276eUhB2 
- All classroom equipment you NO LONGER NEED and will not need next year needs to be returned to the media center. If the equipment is broken please label w/ a note telling us what is wrong with it. ('Broken/ Does not play. etc.)
- All laptops will be collected by Mr. Bell. More information is coming soon regarding the timeline for this.

THANKS!!
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Vanguard

Congratulations to Beth Owens for becoming the most recent member of Vanguard Team!!! If you are interested in joining the Vanguard Team, please contact Brian!!! 
Way to go Beth!!!

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PBIS

We filled our “P”!!!

• Pre-k has chosen a pajama day for Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd (and most likely admin). Please encourage your students to wear pajamas this Friday.


• Third grade has chosen for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to watch a movie during lunch. We will put on a movie in the cafeteria this Friday. If you would like to let your class eat in your room and watch a movie of your choosing, feel free. Just make sure it is rated G. 

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What I've Been Thinking About...

With one month left of school, we have to remember that this time can be the most valuable for our kids. Check out this article and the eight ways to Finish the Year Strong!!!! 

We appreciate all of you and everything you do!!!

http://teach4theheart.com/how-to-finish-the-school-year-strong/

*******WRITERS' GALLERY**********

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Gopal's class this week.

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Lee's class next week. 

******CALENDAR OF EVENTS*******

Monday, May 1st
9:30 am - Prospective Parent Tour
1:30 pm - Kindergarten Play Rehearsal

Tuesday, May 2nd
8:30 am - Kindergarten Play Rehearsal
1:30 pm - Leadership Meeting

Wednesday, May 3rd
8:30 am - Kindergarten Play Rehearsal
1st Grade Field Trip
IB PLCs during Specials with Roberts

Thursday, May 4th 
SIOP Training - Portable #1518
1:30 pm - Kindergarten Play Rehearsal
2:50 pm - PLCs
NEW STUDENT ROUND-UP!!!!

Friday, May 5th
Pre-K-2nd Wear Pajamas!!!
3rd-5th Grade - Watch a Movie During Lunch
8:30 am - Kindergarten Play
3rd Grade Field Trip
5th Grade Field Trip to Ridgeview
Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

************BIRTHDAYS! ****************

Happy birthday to Michelle Nobles and Benita Bearden on May 5th! We hope you both have a wonderful birthday! 

April 24th, 2017

High Point News

Week of: April 24th, 2017

*****************NEWS****************

Media Center Schedule
Please click on the link below for the media center's online schedule. If you would like to sign up for the media center space, please use the link. If you would like support from Ms. Dennis, please contact her directly. Thank you!!

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1urj-Lj9vnHlo7YOYi5lJ3OgAW6T54eN43LwThpJpbLY/edit?usp=sharing 

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GA Milestones Information and Reminders
GA Milestones testing will continue for 5th grade students only today and tomorrow!!! Please remember to keep quiet in the hallways and do not go outside for recess until after 11:30 am unless an announcement is made. 
Please also refrain from using WiFi. 

All grade levels will remain on their regular lunch and specials schedule.

Thank you!!

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End of the Year Party

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Ice Cream!

We want to say thank you for all your patience during GA Milestones for the past few weeks and to celebrate moving into the month of May by giving you ice cream!!! 

Please join us in the courtyard outside of the media center at 2:30 this Thursday, the 27th, for Greenwood's Ice Cream in a cone or in a bowl!!! 

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Acceleration Form Due

All K-5 teachers: 36 week Reading Acceleration Testing form is due to Hess by Tuesday, April 25th. Thanks! 

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PBIS

Congratulations to Judy Berger who received a Buddy Brag and has earned the TOTY parking space for the next two weeks!!! Thank you to everyone who turned in a Buddy Brag to recognize a colleague!!! 

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Classroom Libraries
Teachers - James Patterson is offering grants to improve classroom libraries. 

Apply here!

http://www.scholastic.com/pattersonpartnership/

*******WRITERS' GALLERY**********

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Berric's class this week.

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Gopal's class next week. 

******CALENDAR OF EVENTS*******

Monday, April 24th 
GA Milestones Testing  5th Grade Only - Science
STAR Screening Begins!

Tuesday, April 25th
GA Milestones Testing 5th Grade Only - Social Studies
2:30 - Master Schedule Meeting

Wednesday, April 26th
Administrative Professionals Day!!!!
10:00 am - Title I Parent Input Meeting Portable #1518
Math PLCs during Specials with Long

Thursday, April 27th 
2:50 pm - PLCs

Friday, April 28th
1:00 pm - Title I Parent Input Meeting Portable #1518

Saturday, April 29th
Hound Dog Math Tournament

************BIRTHDAYS! ****************

Happy birthday to Gina Milazzo on the 30th!! We hope you have a wonderful birthday! 

April 17th, 2017

High Point News

Week of: April 17th, 2017

*****************NEWS****************

Gifted In-Field Endorsement
The Gifted In-Field Endorsement Program offered by the office of Advanced Studies in conjunction with Professional Learning will be delivered through a partnership with Metro RESA and ensures that FCSS has highly qualified teachers to work with its gifted students. 

Interested applicants must meet the following qualifications:

1)          Candidates must complete the application.
2)          Candidates must hold a valid, Georgia Teaching certificate.  (Induction 1-3, Professional, or Leadership)
3)          Candidates must have scored a minimum GPA of 2.5 from their last degree program.
4)          Candidates must have at least three years of successful teaching experience.
5)          Candidates must be recommended for participation in the program by their employing principal.

For more information and the application packet, please see Pitchford. Application packets must be received no later than May 15th, 2017. 

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GA Milestones Information and Reminders
GA Milestones testing will continue this week!!! Please remember: 

Staff Cell Phones & Electronic Devices
Staff should not be on personal devices that include computers, laptops, IPads,
fit bits (that vibrate), smart watches or  cellular phones during the administration of the test since you are to be “actively monitoring”.

• FCS staff is being asked NOT to use the FCS Wi-Fi during testing times in our building. Please use your own data or place cell phones on airplane mode
• FCS staff is being asked NOT to use internet streaming sites or content during testing times in our building.
• FCS staff is being asked NOT to use any devices that are not wired (blue cord) during the testing times in our building.
• School district owned wireless devices not being used for testing should be limited in use and turned off if possible
• The FCS IT Department will be monitoring our Wi-Fi usage and provide detailed reports (including classrooms, devices,  phone numbers and sites that are being used) 

Schedule and Staff Impact
• All paraprofessionals will be utilized as a proctor or hallway monitor (exception Pre-K)
• Alternate Specials Schedule (April 17th and 19th)
        Follow the regular schedule on non-testing days
• Alternate Lunch Schedule (April 17th and 19th)
        K-5 students will eat in the classroom
        Follow the regular schedule on non-testing days
    
Things to Remember
• AM Testing Only (Exception-Extended Time)
• No Start Time Announcement will be made
        Testing Times will be staggered 
        3rd-8:00
        4th-8:05
        5th-8:10
• “Testing is Completed” Announcement will be made daily
• No outside recess until 11:30. Please use the lower, lower field. Students will be tested in the portables. 
• No outside visitors during the EOG Testing Window (April 13th-April 27th)
• Do not cut through the computer lab and media center hallway (testing site)
• Wear soft soled shoes

AND..... DON'T FORGET TO COME GET YOUR JASON'S DELI BOXED LUNCH IN THE CAFETERIA!!!!!!

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Pre-orders for Next Year
All K-5 Homeroom Teachers:
We are giving each grade level money for supplies in order to help start out your year. Each grade level will receive the following amount: 

 K - $500
1st - $600
2nd - $500
3rd - $600
4th - $400
5th - $400

Technically, this allows for each teacher to spend $100 in supplies, however we know that teachers need different things. It is up to you as a team to determine how you spend your money on supplies (1st and 3rd grade, please order for the added class).

Each teacher will compile a start-up list of supplies they need for the beginning of the year (remember you will receive money at the beginning of the year from PTO, Pitchford, and students). The grade level chair will then do the following before April 21st:

- Enter each teacher's order into the Office Depot website as ONE order
- Make sure to include your name and grade level when submitting the entire order
- Do not go over your allotted amount
- Keep a copy of who gets what so that when supplies are delivered in one large box designated to that grade level, you can divvy out the supplies.

Orders will not be taken after April 21st!!!! Questions, please contact Colleen Zeller! 

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TKES

Formative observations have begun and will continue through May. Emails will be sent one week prior to the observation. 

Immediately following the observation, teachers will receive an email to schedule a summative conference. At the summative conference, teachers will have a chance to discuss the formative assessment, summative assessment, review their Student Growth Percentile Rating, and their TKES goal. Please bring any necessary artifacts to the conference in order to support the ratings. 

Please make sure that you are signing off on the following items: 
- ALL walkthroughs or formatives
- Summative Conference
- Summative Assessment

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. ALL conferences and sign-offs have to be completed by May 15th so we appreciate your help with getting this done!!! 

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Summer Summit 2017

Event Focus:
Teachers will engage in sessions around personalized learning, from planning to practice. There will be a variety of sessions hosted by FCS teacher-leaders, district-leaders, as well as expert consultants from organizations such as Kennesaw State University, iSchool Initiative, and EdElements. Session topics include but are not limited to: personalized learning in your content area, overviews & deep dives into the 7 principles, planning for personalized learning, cultivating supportive professional learning experiences for teachers, classroom management strategies and techniques, technology integration, and so much more!

If you are interested in going to this TWO DAY EVENT, please email Pitchford by this Friday, the 21st! There are 6 teacher slots open for this event. 

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Cafeteria Charges

This is just a friendly reminder that as of May 10th, if a student doesn't have money for breakfast or lunch, they will receive a courtesy meal. Please make sure to send home the cafeteria flyers before this time so parents are aware!! Thank you! 

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Election Tuesday

This is just a friendly reminder that April 18th is Election Day and will be held at High Point! 

The election will be in the gym so PE will use half of the lower field, weather permitting. Please refrain from using that area during recess and remind your students to not touch the equipment. The area will be marked off with cones. 

Also, because we are expecting a large turnout, please make sure to allow adequate time in order to arrive early and secure a parking space. Thank you!! 

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Personalized Learning Survey 

If you have not already done so, please take the survey! It ends THIS FRIDAY!!!! We are only at 45% complete for teachers and 43% for students. We need to be at 100%!!!!!!

School	Teacher Survey (percent complete)	Student Survey (percent complete)
Dunwoody Springs	100!	80
Heards Ferry	0	0
High Point	45	43
McClarin	100!	46
Riverwood	23	7
Spalding Drive	93	100!
Woodland ES	61	78
CLC Overall	60%	51%

ALL certified staff K-5 who received devices need to take this survey. Click below for the teacher survey. 

https://fultonschools.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3ZNDcM1WhQ0CqHz

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What I've Been Thinking About...

Below is a great article about how to incorporate inquiry circles into your classroom through Social Studies and Science. 

This article explains how one teacher invites students to think about what questions they still have while they are wrapping up a unit. She groups students together based off their inquiries and then gives them a "work plan" for how they will find their answer and work together. 

The best part is then putting together the presentations. Just like in our personalized learning plan, the teacher asks students to show their learning in various ways, such as in a presentation, book, play/drama, movie, etc.... 

Check out this great way to engage our students, give them Choice and Voice, encourage them to be Inquirers, and demonstrate their learning in many different ways!!!!! 

http://onestopteachershop.com/2013/07/integrating-common-core-standards.html#

*****VISUALS OF BEST PRACTICE******

Ms. Lee and her students were reviewing the book they read, Mouse Paint, by coloring a sheet about being a Thinker!

Several students were asked how they were "Thinkers" and their responses were captured on video! Unfortunately, the video is too big to play but it was so cute that they were reflecting on how they were "Thinkers!" Even Pre-K can "think" about and learn the Learner Profile! 

*******WRITERS' GALLERY**********

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Foster's class this week.

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Berric's class next week. 

******CALENDAR OF EVENTS*******

Monday, April 17th 
GA Milestones Testing - ELA (Refer to your adjusted schedule)
Pick up Lunch from Jason's Deli

Tuesday, April 18th
2:30 - Number Talks Meeting in Long's Room (By invitation)GA Milestones Testing Make-up Day

Wednesday, April 19th
GA Milestones Testing - Math (Refer to your adjusted schedule)

Thursday, April 20th 
GA Milestones Testing Make-up Day
2:50 pm - PLCs

Friday, April 21st

Saturday, April 22nd
Hands On High Point Day!!!!

************BIRTHDAYS! ****************

There are no birthdays this week.