PAGE 1 OF 10 COUGARMONTHLY_FEB2013 FROM THE DESK OF YOUR PRINCIPAL Dr. Trici Smith k Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s), My... how quickly four weeks into Second Semester have passed! At this rate, the school year will be ending before you know it. The students, teachers, and all of our wonderful support staff work continuously to make our days challenging, yet successful and fun. At Feldwood Elementary School, we believe that every child can and will be successful. Every day, our dedicated staff strives to provide our young learners with positive academic experiences. In April, students in grades 3-5 will take the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT). Our goal is to move every student to a meets and/or exceeds status in the areas of reading, language, and math on the CRCT. However, our success is dependent upon a positive and supportive home-to-school and school-to-home relationship. The communication link between school and home is integral in your child’s success – both at school and in life – and must be strengthen so that the bond between parent and teacher is unquestionably apparent in your child’s eyes. Not only are teachers and schools now held more accountable for student achievement, parents and students are expected to play a much larger role in academic achievement as well. It is extremely important that you know how your child is doing in school and what he/she is expected to know and do in each curriculum area. Parents, if you have not done so, I invite you to complete the volunteer process for you to be able to visit in your child’s classroom and witness your child’s education in progress. (Please contact our Parent Liaison to schedule your appointment.) Parent involvement and regular communication with your child’s teacher(s) are motivational factors for your child to do well in school. Your presence in your child’s education sets the tone for how he/she views the importance of learning. I welcome your inquiries and encourage you to become and remain an “academic partner” with your child. By working together, WE can successfully meet the challenges to prepare OUR children for their future successes. Sincerely, Trici Smith, Ed.D Principal VOLUME III Issue 6 FEBRUARY 2013 Chat with the PRINCIPAL Curious to know what’s happening at Feldwood Elementary School? Join us for our weekly Principal’s CHAT held every Tuesday at 9:00 AM. See you there! Navy Blue, Gold, & White COUGARS IN UNIFORMS We are a uniform practicing school. Please join us in creating a climate that promotes the whole student. Students are expected to wear their uniforms Monday through Thursday. Students may wear appropriate general school clothing on Friday. [REFER TO OUR 2012-13 FamilyNotes, PG. 3] Our school uniform combination options include the following: navy blue, white, or gold polo-style or button-down shirts navy blue or khaki pants, skirts, or jumpers. Our official uniform vendor: Pro Image Line – contact: Mike Gordon 6591 Church Street, Riverdale, GA 30274 | 770-991-2164 ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY! This school year’s memories captured forever. HARD covers: $27 | SOFT covers: $20 Cash or money order only. Online payment: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/ ENTER YEARBOOK ID CODE: 11518613 A Keepsake Treasured for a Lifetime… VISIT US ONLINE TO SEE HOW WE’RE CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY!
Transcript
PAGE 1 OF 10 COUGARMONTHLY_FEB2013
FROM THE DESK OF YOUR PRINCIPAL
Dr. Trici Smith
k
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s), My... how quickly four weeks into Second Semester have passed! At this rate, the school year
will be ending before you know it. The students, teachers, and all of our wonderful support
staff work continuously to make our days challenging, yet successful and fun. At Feldwood
Elementary School, we believe that every child can and will be successful. Every day, our
dedicated staff strives to provide our young learners with positive academic experiences.
In April, students in grades 3-5 will take the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT).
Our goal is to move every student to a meets and/or exceeds status in the areas of reading,
language, and math on the CRCT. However, our success is dependent upon a positive and
supportive home-to-school and school-to-home relationship.
The communication link between school and home is integral in your child’s success – both at
school and in life – and must be strengthen so that the bond between parent and teacher is
unquestionably apparent in your child’s eyes. Not only are teachers and schools now held
more accountable for student achievement, parents and students are expected to play a much
larger role in academic achievement as well. It is extremely important that you know how
your child is doing in school and what he/she is expected to know and do in each curriculum
area.
Parents, if you have not done so, I invite you to complete the volunteer process for you to be
able to visit in your child’s classroom and witness your child’s education in progress. (Please
contact our Parent Liaison to schedule your appointment.) Parent involvement and regular
communication with your child’s teacher(s) are motivational factors for your child to do well
in school. Your presence in your child’s education sets the tone for how he/she
views the importance of learning.
I welcome your inquiries and encourage you to become and remain an
“academic partner” with your child. By working together, WE can
successfully meet the challenges to prepare OUR children for their
future successes.
Sincerely,
Trici Smith, Ed.D
Principal
VOLUME III Issue 6 FEBRUARY 2013
Chat with the PRINCIPAL Curious to know what’s happening at
Feldwood Elementary School? Join us
for our weekly Principal’s CHAT held
every Tuesday at 9:00 AM. See you there!
Navy Blue, Gold, & White COUGARS IN UNIFORMS
We are a uniform practicing school. Please join
us in creating a climate that promotes the whole
student. Students are expected to wear their
uniforms Monday through Thursday. Students
may wear appropriate general school clothing on
Friday. [REFER TO OUR 2012-13 FamilyNotes, PG. 3]
Our school uniform combination options include the following:
navy blue, white, or gold polo-style or button-down shirts
navy blue or khaki pants, skirts, or jumpers.
Our official uniform vendor:
Pro Image Line – contact: Mike Gordon
6591 Church Street, Riverdale, GA 30274 | 770-991-2164
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY! This school year’s memories captured forever.
HARD covers: $27 | SOFT covers: $20 Cash or money order only.
Online payment:
https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/ ENTER YEARBOOK ID CODE: 11518613
PARENT’S NAME _____________________________________________________________________
*Please list names of all children attending Feldwood ES. COUGAR BUCKS will only be given to students listed on this form.
To support the many endeavors happening at
Feldwood Elementary School requires a BIG investment of
time, commitment, and… green dollars. Yes, we said it!
Green dollars! (and no, not COUGAR BUCKS)!
One of the biggest ways you can help support our school is
through financial contributions.
We are reaching out to you for a one-time annual donation of $20! Thank you in advance for making what we do important for our most important entity – OUR CHILDREN!
A donation of $20 will earn your
child* TWO COUGAR BUCKS!
In addition, classes with 100%
participation will be awarded a
movie and popcorn time!**
* For families with more than one child attending
Feldwood, a donation of $20 covers all siblings and
each child will receive two COUGAR BUCKS.
** In order to qualify, all donations must be received no
later than Friday, December 9, 2012.
Congratulations to all of our students who
participated in the 2013 Student Sci-Tech
Fair with a creation of a science or
technology fair project. This year, we
added an extra component to the judging
process. Each student was required to be
present at the time of judging to answer
the judges’ questions, and my… were they
tough questions! The students all had
wonderful projects and received
constructive feedback from the judges.
First place winners of the technology
portion of the Sci-Tech Fair advanced to
the region’s 12th Annual Fulton County
Technology Competition on Saturday,
January 28th at Riverwood Charter School
where they competed with students in their
grade level from all over Fulton County
Schools. Our students represented our
school well with COUGAR pride!
Please join us in congratulating
Ms. Alexander and her 4th grade students:
Amarie Blackshear and India Bowles for
winning 3rd place at the region fair in the
category of Digital Video Editing with
their project entitled, “Sound! The Movie”.
Our teachers and parents – two words –
THANK YOU! Our students could not
have completed their projects without your
guidance and support!
Students, get started N-O-W for next
year’s Sci-Tech Fair!
CUT ALONG THIS LINE
Your generous donation will allow
us to provide opportunities to:
Recognize and Motivate Student Achievement awards / recognitions programs Student of the Month incentives
the Cougar Buck Bank store
Enrich Student Learning in-house field trips
Celebrate Our Faculty and Staff Teacher Appreciation Week
Feldwood’s Finest Appreciation Week
Maintain a Clean and Conducive Environment for Your Child to Learn Every Day school beautification
– Ms. Kimberly Edwards, Curriculum Support Teacher
| 404-765-2001x127
Creating an Inviting Reading Environment @ Home WAYS TO PROMOTE READING
Learning first begins at home. Parent involvement is vital to children’s success as
readers. Developing a child’s reading skills involves parents and other family
members interacting with children by talking, singing, and reading aloud. Parents
must encourage young children to communicate so that the foundation for later
reading success is laid.
Educators recognize parents’ role in student progress and encourages parental
involvement. Provided are a few simple ways that parents can do to create a reading
environment – at home – that fosters motivated, lifelong readers.
Make Reading Materials Accessible Start with a good amount of reading materials, such as newspapers, magazines, books, and catalogs. It doesn't matter how the materials are obtained – owned or borrowed, new or used. Many thrift stores and secondhand book stores have good prices on gently used reading materials. The most important factor is to incorporate the reading materials as a natural part of your home and everyday life. Create a cozy spot in your home for the family library. This space doesn’t need much space. It could be in a corner of a room with a bookshelf, comfortable furniture or floor pillows, and sufficient lighting. Remember that variety counts when selecting reading materials. Rather than focusing on the number of books, base your reading materials on the interests of each family member. A small collection of books thoughtfully gathered over time is better than a large collection that goes unread. Paperback and hardcover books, a dictionary, an atlas, songbooks, magazines for parents and kids, newspapers, and catalogs all have a place in your in-home library. Make sure your library includes something for every family member at every reading and interest level. Don’t forget to purchase titles for eReaders such as your Nooks, iPads, and Kindles. Make books inviting to everyone. Sturdy bookcases, built-in shelves, and open magazine racks are ideal, but an orange crate works too. Be sure to put reading material for the youngest readers on the lowest shelves for easier accessibility. If you want to be more detailed, try separating the books based on genres or interest at each ability level.
Be A Role Model Let your child see you reading. Although they may deny it, most children want to be like their parents. If they see you reading daily – both for function and for pleasure – they will more likely become enthusiastic readers themselves. Functional reading involves “how to” texts such as recipes, repairs, travel brochures, and assembly of toys or other items. Take your child with you as you visit bookstores or libraries. Let them see you checking out books, giving and receiving books as gifts, and borrowing from and loaning books to friends so they will know that you place a high value on reading.
Read Aloud to Children Encourage positive attitudes toward reading by reading aloud to your children daily. Children who are read to at home learn to read more easily, have a higher vocabulary, and are more likely to develop a love for reading than those who are not read to on a regular basis. Simply put, this cannot be done too early or too often.
Inspire Personal Libraries Help your child set up a special place to keep books that have special meaning for them. By doing so, you are helping them express their love and respect for books. Here are some tips for helping children set up collections:
Find a special place for books. If your child's room doesn't have a bookshelf or bookcase, use a box, basket, or other sturdy container. Plastic stacking cubes work well.
As often as possible, let your children choose the books they want to add to their collection. A book-buying trip to a yard sale or bookstore is a fun Saturday activity.
Allow your child to purchase books through school book sale events such as Scholastic Books.
Go online and purchase books through sites such as Amazon.com.
Take your children to the library regularly. Even a child with a well-stocked bookshelf needs a fresh supply of books. Encourage children to treat library books with the same care they show their own.
Give your children books or magazine subscriptions as gifts. Time Kids and Highlights are all-time favorites for many children.
For babies and young toddlers, choose sturdy books that will survive rough handling. Board books, for example, have thick pages that can be turned easily and wiped clean.
Limit Television, Computers, and Video Games As we all are aware, the Internet and other technologies provide a plethora of instant resources, including reading. Yet, too much of anything can have harmful effects. The rise in popularity of the Internet and computer and video games only adds to the din of distractions pulling children away from more literary pursuits. While excellent educational programs and software exist, many are questionable at best and must be carefully monitored by parents. Limiting children's television and computer use makes time for other activities, such as reading. It is important that parents limit the use of television and computers as rewards for reading (or deny them as punishment for not reading).
Source: Reading Is Fundamental Motivational Activities
FEBRUARY 2013 . VOLUME III . ISSUE 6
Teachers are some of the greatest people in the world. Like
parents, they do much but receive little, if any, recognition.
Praise is seldom given – as what they do is what they’re
supposed to do – is what they should do – is what they’re getting
paid to do… to teach.
At Feldwood, we know
differently. Our teachers go
above and beyond in the
classroom, school,
and community.
They are
enthusiastic
about teaching and devote
themselves to the teaching profession.
And so for each month, an outstanding teacher will be recognized
as Feldwood Elementary School’s Teacher of the Month.
Recipients of this prestigious award have gone the extra mile
and/or were caught doing something great, are a team player and
always display a positive attitude, and one who models/shares
best practices of teaching. To honor them, Teachers of the Month
receive a reserved parking space for the entire month, school-wide
recognition during the school’s news broadcast, a certificate of
recognition, and bragging rights that they are COUGAR-ific
teachers!
“Congratulations!" is an understatement.
Instead, we applaud our Teachers of
the Month.
Please join us in cheers and applause
as we proudly present to you our
Teacher of the Month:
Ms. Bridget Alexander FOURTH GRADE TEACHER
If you are interested in making Box Tops for Education more
EXCITING! BIGGER! and VISIBLE! at our school, contact:
MUSIC with… – Ms. Varetta Sweeper-Smith, Music Teacher
Students in all music classes are learning songs from all genres that coincide with Black History Month. We are preparing for a
wonderful month of history and culture.
Keeping in shape with…
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
– Coach Christopher Rice, PE Teacher and Coach Marcia Edwards, Paraprofessional
Hello, everyone! Our Jump Rope for Heart event has concluded,
and it was a huge success! We would like to thank all of the
donators who contributed to this great cause. The combined efforts
of the entire school exceeded our goal of $1000.00. We raised
$1,032.11 for the American Heart Foundation! Fantastic job Feldwood family!! Go COUGARS!! Just imagine how many lives
we saved!
Congratulations to our top Jump Rope for Heart donator: Gabrielle Brown, kindergarten student in Ms. Tuff’s class. The
class who raised the most money won a P.E. fun day. Gabrielle, your donations helped your class win! Ms. Tuff’s class: Get ready
for an awesome, fun day!
ART TALK with… – Ms. Kimberly Muhlheim, Art Teacher
Artworks by kindergarten, fourth, and fifth grade Feldwood artists
are currently on display at the Professional Learning South building
located on 3121 Norman Berry Drive in East Point. Our exhibit focuses on printmaking techniques: stamping for kindergarten,
styrofoam relief printing for fourth grade, and reduction printing for
fifth grade.
Happy Black History Month from the Art Department! Check out
these influential African-American artists the next time you visit your local library: Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett Mora, Hale
Woodruff, Faith Ringgold, Jacob Lawrence, John Biggers,
and Lois Mailou Jones.
FEBRUARY 2013 . VOLUME III . ISSUE 6
…Now we all know!
– Ms. Shirley Robins, School Social Worker | 404-765-2001x131
Non-Negotiable Parent Accountability
PROMOTING PUNCTUALITY TO SCHOOL
A number of our students are arriving to school late. Students who arrive late not only
often miss important morning announcements, instructions, and academic work, they
disrupt the flow of classroom learning. It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that
their child arrives to school every day on time. Make it a non-negotiable practice to have
your child here at Feldwood with sufficient time to eat breakfast and go to his/her
classroom. The instructional day begins promptly at 7:40 AM, and all students are
expected to be at his/her desk ready to learn. Children are developing habits that will last
for a life time. Train your child about the importance of being on time. Punctuality and
good attendance can benefit your child’s education as well as establish positive habits.
The following are tips for getting your child to school on time:
1. Prepare for school the night before. Assist your child in getting his/her clothes and lunch ready. Have your child pack his/her book bag with homework and any correspondence to the teacher before going to bed.
2. Place items in a standard location. Decide on a place that your child can leave the packed book bag and any items needed for school
in the morning. You will not waste time looking for the items the following morning.
3. Make sure that your child is going to bed on time and is getting enough sleep. A child that is well-rested rises easier in the morning and is more positive about going to school.
4. Develop a time schedule for you and your child in the morning. Plan the amount of time needed to get ready for school.
5. Allow extra time in the morning. Plan for the little emergencies that may occur by allowing enough time to tend to the emergency.
6. Make a commitment to be on time. Arrive at school before 7:40 AM. School begins promptly at 7:40 AM, and your child should be in the classroom and ready to learn at that time.
Help us by getting your child to school daily and on time. In return, your child will reap
the benefits. Thank you in advance in doing your part so that we may do what we do and
do it well: “To collaboratively prepare your child for his/her post-secondary options.”
Rewarding Punctuality with COUGAR BUCKS Beginning in March, students will receive a COUGAR BUCK for
having zero tardies and absences for the month. This is an opportunity
for students to earn an extra COUGAR BUCK as we work towards reducing
the number of students arriving to school late. We ask for the cooperation and assistance
of all our parents and guardians as we promote punctuality at Feldwood.
LOW COST REPLACEMENT
Eye Glasses Clinic
Prevent Blindness Georgia is hosting a clinic to replace lost or broken
glasses on February 11
th from
2:00 – 5:00 PM. If your child has an eye prescription that is less than one year old, send the prescription by fax to 404-266-0860 or via email to [email protected] by February 7
th. They will contact you
for an appointment to choose frames. The cost of the new frames and lenses is $25.00 and will be mailed to your home.
For more details and information: CONTACT: 404-266-2020 VISIT: www.pbga.org
– Dr. Denise Brown, Assistant Principal
| 404-765-2001x126
Do you know what “The Feldwood Way” is? It includes
these four characteristics: respectfulness, responsibleness,
cooperativeness, and accountability. These four words
comprise the expectations that we have for our students
every day both in their academics and in their behavior.
These four values frame the learning that we believe
is so important for our elementary schoolers as they
transition into maturity and prepare for their post-
secondary options.
We feel strongly about “The Feldwood Way”. We
recognize that we are not only educating our children
but teaching them life lessons and that addressing the
developmental needs of the whole child is very
\ important in establishing a framework of mannerisms
that will guide them in their pursuit of success. This
A Holiday Menu may be served in place of the regular scheduled menu at your school. Check with your local school to learn the date and holiday menu items that may be served. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Refer to our ATTENDANCE policy in our Feldwood FamilyNotes 2012-13, pg. 4
FEBRUARY 2013 . VOLUME III . ISSUE 6
PAGE 10 OF 10 COUGARMONTHLY_FEB2013
New for this year, Fulton County Schools has mandated that ALL individuals (including parents, family members, neighbors, friends, etc.) who desire to volunteer at Feldwood ES and/or in other Fulton County Schools and/or attend any school-sponsored functions (e.g. field trips, dances, classroom parties, classroom visitation, etc.) that require said individuals to be around and/or interact with other children at Feldwood ES must undergo the Volunteer and Child Abuse Training. Student safety must not be compromised!
For the safety of YOUR child and OUR school, EVERYONE must undergo the Volunteer and Child Abuse Training!
To schedule your appointment, contact our parent liaison: Mrs. Dallas-Wills | 404-765-2001x157. Training is only 30 minutes!
FEBRUARY 2013 . VOLUME III . ISSUE 6
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How is the money spent? Donations are spent on patient and community
services, research, public health, and professional
education. For more information: www.lls.org.
Can we donate more than pennies? Yes! Nickels, dimes, quarters, bills and checks
are graciously accepted.
Who should checks be made out to? All checks can be made payable to
“The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society”.
On January 31, 2013, Feldwood Elementary School kicked off the Pennies for Patients community fundraiser
with an assembly. On that day, a letter went home with each student that details the Pennies for Patients
program and features our National Honored Hero. Miniature boxes were also given to each student to take
home to collect change for this wonderful cause. Please be on the lookout for these items and support your
child’s collection efforts. Visit our school’s website for updates about Pennies for Patients.
The entire month of February will be geared towards collecting money for this wonderful cause. There will be
a school goal and individual classroom goals on how much they want to collect. The class that collects the
highest amount for Pennies for Patients will receive an ice cream sundae party! Let’s work together and
collect all we can for those inflicted with these horrible diseases. Every student can make a difference through
Pennies for Patients because every penny counts!
The second Box Tops Contest
began on January 15th and will end
on February 22nd. One classroom
per grade level with the most Box
Tops collected will win an ice
cream party! Parents, please place
Box Tops in a sealed bag with
your child and teacher’s names
clearly marked on it. The winning
classes will be announced on
Monday, February 25th.
A total of 3,763 Box Tops were
collected. Each Box Top is worth
ten cents. That means, we raised
$367.30! Along with what was
raised prior to the contest, we are
Fulton County Schools will be
closed on Friday, February 15th for a Teacher/Student Holiday
-&- on Monday, February 18th
in observance of President’s Day!
Read about the fun, thought-provoking activities we have planned for the
students and staff by visiting us online. Experience the history with us!
Our next PTA Meeting to be followed with a Black History Program is
scheduled on Tuesday, February 26th at 6:00 PM in the Cafetorium. This
year’s program is entitled, “Journey Through Time”. Through the Arts,
the students will provide a presentation that is sure to amaze the audience
beginning with the African Dynasty into present-day accomplishments.
Come out and support our students and school with your presence!
Class and club group pictures will be taken. All students are
encouraged to wear their school uniforms to show COUGAR spirit!
This week celebrates our amazing COUGAR-ific guidance counselor,
Mrs. Troutman, for all of her hard work and dedication in ensuring the
success of every child at Feldwood. Students, parents, and teachers –
this is your time to show your appreciation to Mrs. Troutman for just
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