November 2012

      Here we are at the beginning of another quarter, and as usual, our focus is on reading.  At school we are using Accelerated Reader to monitor our students’ reading practice.  At home, we are asking that parents please make sure that your children are reading at least 20 minutes a night.  Ask them questions about what they read, and also read to them.  Our business partners, Frito-Lay and Wal-Mart, read to all of our students last month and sponsored a party for our best readers.

         You may have noticed that your children are using a new type of graphic organizer.  These are “Thinking Maps” and they allow students to organize their thoughts and visualize learning at multiple levels.  Our teachers, who have been trained in this strategy, use them in all content levels and on all grade levels to make learning more rigorous and challenging.

      Early dismissals and student transportation have become challenging. Please do not pick up your children from 1:30 – 2:30.  In addition, large numbers of parents are calling at the last minute to switch students’ mode of travel home. Teachers work very hard to make sure that students get to the correct destination in the evening, but last minute changes make this very confusing and very difficult.  Requests by phone to change the mode of   travel home will no longer be taken.  All requests must be written and submitted to the office by 1:30.

      Our teacher of the year is Ms. Atkinson, and our Support person of the year is Ms. Howard.  Plans for their Honors banquet will be announced shortly.  Please congratulate them when you see them.

Sincerely,

Melanie Mitchell

Interim Principal

(404) 802-8750

mcmitchell@atlanta.k12.ga.us