March 23rd, 2020

Monday Notes 3.23.20

"High Point Elementary cultivates knowledgeable, compassionate, and inquiring learners who impact a diverse global community."

**Friendly reminder that action items are in red and informational only items are in blue. 

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Support

We hope everyone is taking good care of themselves and social distancing as much as possible. Each admin member is working with grade levels to support you so you can support our students. We appreciate everyone communicating with each other during these times so everyone is clear about the support they need. Please know that if you need anything at all, we are all just an email or phone call away! 

Pitchford - 404-729-0378
DiBartolo - 404-954-2592

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Connecting with Students and Families

Last week was new for all of us!!! Thank you to all the staff members who have been reaching out to families to make sure they have food, devices (in grades 3-5), and engaging activities. The parents have been overwhelmed with the notion that High Point cares for them deeply and is trying whatever method possible to stay connected!!! 

Fulton County is still offering food sites (Lake Forest and Ison Springs) for families on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 11:00-1:00. Please encourage your families to take advantage of this offering. We are looking into distributing meals to the apartments as well. If you know of a family in need, please reach out to Pitchford, DiBartolo, or Hutchins so we can get them the necessary support! 

Devices were handed out last week as well for students in grades 3-5. Students who were unable to get a device last week will be able to get a device this week at Riverwood High School. Specific information will be sent to those students without a device and their teachers. 

Paper copies of Week 1 and 2 are available in bins at the front of the school. If parents don't have access to technology, PLEASE encourage them to come get a packet, supplies, and even the food bags. If you need more copies, please email your admin rep and we will make them for the parents. 

We are now into WEEK 2! Continue calling, emailing, texting, video chatting, and other methods to stay in touch with our students and each other. But most importantly, STAY HEALTHY and social distance yourself as much as possible. 

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GMAS, TKES and CCRPI Suspended 

As of right now, the state has suspended GMAS, TKES and LKES evaluations, and CCRPI. This does not mean that these have been canceled; just suspended. We will keep everyone updated as much as possible and appreciate your patience! 

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Spring Pictures Rescheduled
Spring Pictures have been rescheduled for April 16th should we return to school. We won't notify parents until we know more but wanted everyone to be aware. 

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SGC Staff Elections

SGC Staff Elections are being held NOW until the 24th. The bios are below. Please click on the link sent to you in an email to vote!

Amelia Ditzel: My name is Amelia Ditzel. I have been teaching in Fulton County for 12 years, and specifically at High Point Elementary for the past 4 years. At the beginning of my career I was a homeroom teacher and then moved to teaching ESOL. As an ESOL teacher, I both push into classrooms as a support teacher and pull students out for direct instruction to best support our language learning students. I am passionate about High Point and all it has to offer. This school is filled with great teachers and does an amazing job of teaching not only academics, but also inclusion, empathy, compassion, and perseverance. The diversity of our students is a strength that brings unique perspectives and ideas and an amazing learning environment. The support of strong teaching and administrative teams as well as a hardworking PTO makes High Point an ideal community school to be a part of. In addition to teaching at High Point, I live in the High Point neighborhood and have two children attending High Point (Kindergarten and 2nd Grade). I love being part of a neighborhood school, both as a parent and a community member. I am truly invested in the continued success of our school and would love to support it even more as an active member of the School Governance Council.

Amy Bradshaw: Participating in a leadership capacity at High Point is very important to me. Furthermore, it would be an honor to have a role in the strategic plan through the School Governance Council. I feel strongly that I can contribute to designing specialized educational experiences that align with the needs of the students in our community. During my 14 years of teaching, I have served on leadership for 8 years. With experience in 4 schools, 2 states, & teaching English abroad, my perspective has been broadened, teaching me how to work with many different learning styles. I use my ESOL endorsement, my SIOP courses, and my Orton Gillingham training to help students reach success. I have led teams in curriculum and instruction-both vertically and within a grade level-to ensure the needs of all students are met. Additionally, I welcome the opportunity to aid staff members. Specifically, I enjoy supporting new staff members to adapt and embrace the International Baccalaureate mindset, as I have been at High Point since the beginning of our journey with IB. I also welcome the chance to lead professional development and redeliver information in meetings, as I did this year for the Infinite Campus training. I would love the opportunity to be an open-minded member of the council – listening to what others have to say and bringing the classroom viewpoint when needed. By building our future with the students we serve, we are improving our community and world! 

*************************BIRTHDAYS**************************

 

Happy belated birthday to Amelia Ditzel on the 16th, Alterique Hall on the 18th, and Rachel Roseman and Lib Roberts on the 21st! And happy birthday to Sheri Hess on the 26th, Calin Todd on the 27th, and Stacia Hastings on the 28th!!! We hope you all have a wonderful birthday!