# data[].attributes.body
What is your dream school? What world-class outcomes are possible for your students?

These are the questions our Cohort 1 principals have been discussing with their leadership teams and School Governance Councils for the past few months. By September 30th, these schools will have finalized their School Strategic Plans, 3-year guiding documents that set the goals and direction for the future. They are turning their attention now to the Request for Flexibility (RFF) process, through which they can apply for waivers from state law or district policy in order to implement new or unique initiatives in their schools. All RFF proposals will be ready for public comment by November 11!

Coming soon to a Cohort 2 school near you: School Governance Councils! We have 11 Northeast schools joining Cohort 2. They are Chattahoochee High School, Dolvin ES, Haynes Bridge MS, Holcomb Bridge MS, Johns Creek HS, Medlock Bridge ES, Ocee ES, River Trail MS, State Bridge Crossing ES, Taylor Road MS and Wilson Creek ES. These schools have been hosting community information sessions to spread the word about what it means to be in the Charter System and how parents and teachers can run for positions on their School Governance Councils (SGC). Individuals interested in running for a SGC position must declare their candidacy by October 15. Elections will take place November 13-19. Spread the word and get out the vote!

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations to Ocee Elementary School, Abbotts Hill
Elementary School, and Haynes Bridge Middle School for taking the first steps to becoming PBIS schools starting next school year.

# data[].attributes.headline
Dr. Will Rumbaugh/ NELC Area Superintendent

# data[].attributes.subject
Dr. Will Rumbaugh/ NELC Area Superintendent

# data[].attributes.body
Last month, we shared many of the amazing things schools are
doing in the areas of two of our NELC Strategic Objectives: providing challenging and engaging learning for all students and developing
student servant leaders.  The initiatives at these schools are well underway and yielding results.  In case you missed the last edition (or any of our News & Notes editions), the links are provided below:

May 2013: http://padlet.com/wall/northeastlcmay13

June 2013: http://padlet.com/wall/northeastlcjune13

August 2013: http://padlet.com/wall/northeastlcaug13

September 2013: http://padlet.com/wall/northeastlcsept

Note the themes is this month’s edition:

Serving Community/Leadership-
River Eves, Northwood, River Trail Johns Creek & Centennial

College & Career Readiness-
Chattahoochee, Taylor Road, Abbotts Hill & Esther Jackson

Technology
Haynes Bridge, Autrey Mill

Connecting Content to the Real World-

Holcomb, Barnwell, Dolvin, Medlock, State Bridge & Wilson Creek

# data[].attributes.body
I am working with River Eves on their roadmap of
differentiation. I am conducting classroom walkthroughs and delivering professional development about how to get to know your students learning needs and interests, and how this plays out in effective planning for differentiation.

At Holcomb Bridge, I am supporting the math teachers with best practices based on the instructional strategies standard in TKES, as well as observing classrooms and collaboratively planning with teachers.

At Esther Jackson, I am working with the CST to support continuous achievement, conducting walkthroughs and collaboratively planning with teachers to most effectively work with two levels of students in one classroom.

Finally, at Hillside, I am  excited to support the school-based math coach in her work with data and improving the analysis and planning of student work to guide
instruction.

# data[].attributes.body
The NELC Services for Exceptional Children Mentee Program  kicked off on September 25, 2013. I will act as the primary mentor for the new teachers (1-3 years experience), SEC teachers new to Fulton County Schools, and/or those that have been identified by their administrative teams.

During these monthly sessions, we will cover the following topics (but not limited to): Writing Measureable Goals & Objectives, Preparing
Quality IEP’s, Instructional Strategies and Best Practices, Co-Teaching, Assistive Technology Resources for the classroom (co-taught and resource), Data Collection & Compliance, and Differentiate Instruction. We will also have time to break into “job alike roles” to brainstorm and support each other.

# data[].attributes.body
The Fulton County Humanities Department partnered with the Chick-fil-A Foundation to provide a unique leadership experience for over 90 students at three Fulton County high schools this year known as the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy.  Students from Centennial
High School, Tri-Cities High School, and Westlake High School attended an inspirational kick-off at the Georgia Tech Ferst Center on Friday September 27, 2013.  This amazing experience included key community leaders with valuable messages about leadership and creating
value in leadership. In addition to inspiring leadership, the kick-off served as an opportunity for FCS students to give back to their community by participating in a large scale community service project with Kids Against
Hunger where FCS students helped to prepare and pack over 25,000 meals for the Atlanta Food Bank. These meals will help to feed children and their families in
the Atlanta area.

Over the next seven months, these students will continue to learn about leadership in Leader Labs which will focus on building the following core leadership principles: Vision and Values, Service Leadership, Teamwork, Communication, Innovation, Impact, and Next Steps. They will also work together to create
"impact community service projects" that will be implemented at each designated school site. The Humanities Department is looking forward to working
with these student leaders to transform our schools and our communities. We hope to expand the program and include more of our schools next year. For more informaiton check out their website: http://www.chickfilaleaderacademy.com/.

# data[].attributes.body
On September 25th, the first session of the inaugural
NELC STEM Teacher Academy was held at the Milton Center.  Math and Science teachers from across the
learning community (K-12) spent the day learning with and from each other within the STEM Framework.  Teachers learned about content, best practices, and instructional strategies embedded in STEM.  They also learned about leadership and how to build STEM practices within their school.  They completed a self assessment and developed a list of personal goals for their progress in STEM education.  This academy will continue throughout the year.  We are looking forward to great
things!

# data[].attributes.headline
Christine Lemerond-AP @ Wilson Creek Elementary School 

# data[].attributes.subject
Christine Lemerond-AP @ Wilson Creek Elementary School 

# data[].attributes.body
Last year I researched several attendance procedures and created a process that was easy for our teachers to manage in order to ensure our attendance records are maintained and communication is taking place with parents in a timely manner.  This year, I worked with our school counselor, Ms. Massey, and our school social worker, Ms. Cornelius, to develop an incentive program to encourage and support student attendance in connection with the county attendance initiatives in support of CCRPI.  We have increased our communications in our newsletters and have brought awareness to our students through incentives and
class awards.  Every month a classroom in each grade level will be recognized and awarded for the least amount of cumulative tardies and absences for that month. Each class receives a certificate and a traveling attendance medal and their class name is posted on a bulletin board and recognized in our newsletter.  Each student in the class receives an attendance charm and keychain that they hook on their backpacks.  Students can work towards collecting attendance charms each month. We hope this initiative will prepare our students for success in school and in life as we work to encourage good attendance habits.

# data[].attributes.headline
Patti Blalock- AP @ Hillside Elementary School  

# data[].attributes.subject
Patti Blalock- AP @ Hillside Elementary School  

# data[].attributes.body
I am facilitating the Technology Integration Team. The purpose of this PLC framework is to increase effective technology integration in the areas of mathematics and reading based on results from surveys, technology walk-throughs, and informal observations. The Technology Integration Team used the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) to determine what level of technology integration for grades PreK-5. The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) illustrates how teachers use technology to enhance learning.  The TIM incorporates five levels of technology integration (i.e. entry, adoption, adaption, infusion, and transformational) with two of the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments.

With these results, we developed professional learning courses to support Hillside’s Title 1 School Improvement Plan/Goals in the areas of mathematics and reading for EL students.  These courses will be conducted once a month by level of integration and shared during grade level PLC meetings.  For teachers at the Infusion and Transformation levels, we will present a proposal to incorporate B.Y.O.T.  (Bring Your Own Technology) in mathematics and reading.  The purpose is for students to utilize their personal technology devices so they can learn new ways to use them for collaborating and interacting with their teachers and each other to research information, solve complex problems, create original products, and publish their work.

Outline of Practice

1. The technology integration is embedded in the daily and weekly lesson plans.
2. The technology grade level team member will be conduct PLC learning opportunities once a month by level on integration and share best practices and instructional technology during grade level PLC meetings.

3. Technology Support person will support instructional technology as well as the mechanical support on a continual basis.

# data[].attributes.headline
Brooke Humphrey-AP @ Ocee Elementary School 

# data[].attributes.subject
Brooke Humphrey-AP @ Ocee Elementary School 

# data[].attributes.body
I am leading the initiative for Ocee ES to<br>become a state recognized PBIS school.  Over the last year, we have created a discipline committee to begin the work.  We have created a school-wide expectation matrix and rolled it out to students as part of our work.  We continue to move forward on this important initiative.

# data[].attributes.headline
Keynun Campbell-AP @ Centennial High School 

# data[].attributes.subject
Keynun Campbell-AP @ Centennial High School 

# data[].attributes.body
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Centennial follows our seminar schedule.  Seminars meet during second period for 32 minutes and are opportunities for students to recieve enrichment in various areas above and beyond normal classroom time.  We use this time to provide remediation for students who are identified as being at risk of failing our high stakes assessments.  Below is one of our English teachers instructing a student on proper writing skills in preperation for the upcoming Georgia High School Writing test.  I am very proud of this work!

# data[].attributes.body
Last year the Northeast Learning Community  implemented an Aspiring Assistant Principals program. The Assistant Principals have taken many leadership opportunities this year. The blurbs following are from some NELC APs, and are about how they enrich academics in their schools. The pictures below are of the APs  leading the NELC Aspiring Assistant Principals meeting.

# data[].attributes.body
In October, our fifth grade students will spend three days and two nights at the Jekyll Island 4-H Center, one of the nation’s largest providers of residential environmental education.  The Jekyll Island 4-H program encompasses many aspects of marine environment and is aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards.  Our students will learn about beach and salt marsh ecology, erosion, plant succession and investigate destructive and constructive forces.  They will use seine nets to catch their ownocean organisms, take a boat tour, engage in a hands-on study on reptiles and amphibians and participate in sensory activities and beach exploration at night.  We look forward to providing our fifth grade students with experiences in using the scientific process, hands-on learning in the real world, and developing their knowledge and appreciation of the environment.

# data[].attributes.headline
State Bridge Crossing Elementary School 

# data[].attributes.subject
State Bridge Crossing Elementary School 

# data[].attributes.body
SBCE 3rd graders attended their first STEM
Experiential Activity at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and had a great hands-on experience learning about Georgia Habitats.

Kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th graders participated in the Night Sky program during Science Force, a PTA volunteer program focused on providing students with hands-on learning.  The Science Lab was turned into a planetarium, and students explored topics such as astronaut food supplies and equipment, relative distances of planets,
classification systems for identifying moon rocks, and creating their own “candy” mini solar system.  Through the laboratory experience, students
experience inquiry based learning, thinking creatively, using scientific tools appropriately, reporting and recording data, and investigating the natural world around them.

# data[].attributes.body
As a Cohort One school, Shakerag continues to work with our School Governance Council (SGC) to develop our Strategic Plan and look for ways to help us reach our goals. Our SGC recently approved our three long-term outcomes, including:
(1) Improve Student Achievement

(2) Develop Student Communication Skills
(3) Foster Student Leadership

We are now looking into ways to reorganize our
current resources or request "flexibility" from state/system rules to help us achieve these goals. In addition, our SGC will be applying for additional "Seed" funding which the state made available to Fulton County as part of the system charter initiative. We are excited to look at doing things differently and look forward to reshaping Shakerag over the next few years to meet our long-term goals.

Looking for some outdoor fall fun? Shakerag's annual and amazing Fall Carnival is
October 19th from 3:00 - 7:00 PM. Take a break from the college football games and come out to Shakerag and join in the festivities! We'll have all the traditional carnival activities, including face-painting, cake-walk, bounce houses, pony rides, zip lines, as well as laser tag, human hamster balls, and our incredible raffle baskets! We also have lots of food, from traditional hamburgers and pizza to Korean and Indian favorites. Tickets are available at the gate - credit cards accepted!

# data[].attributes.body
River Eves continues to have an impact on the Atlanta community.  Students and families who
attended the PTA Family Fun Service Night donated a book or toiletries for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). The books will support the hospital library and the personal care items will assist families who remain at the hospital for long periods of time.

River Eves students will participate in their annual
Science Day on October 11.  Students have
a day dedicated to hands on science experiments.  The highlight of the day is the "egg drop."  In preparation for Science Day, each student or groups of students will use a limited number or materials to build a protective vessel for an egg. Each vessel will be dropped from the top of the school to test their durability.

# data[].attributes.body
Ocee ES is “working up a sweat” in order to promote the benefits of healthy eating and exercise for our “student body!” Every Monday and Friday before the last bell rings in the morning, fourth and fifth graders can start their day in the gymnasium at Cardio Club. Physical education teacher Mandy Moreno arranges for students to engage in a variety of calisthenics designed to get their pulses racing and hearts pumping. The increased blood flow to the brain jumpstarts their learning in the classroom, too. Beginning in October, fourth and fifth grade students will have the opportunity to participate in a Recess Runner’s Club. Points will be earned as they “run” their way to greater physical fitness! Ocee ES also celebrated World School Milk Day on September 23rd. On that day, the entire school proudly wore “milk mustaches” to support the health benefits of drinking milk!

# data[].attributes.body
Northwood and One More Generation

During a week- long Plastic and Recycling Awareness Week, Northwood students achieved the following objectives:

They gained a greater understanding of threats facing a variety of organisms and understood how they can personally play a more important role in reducing plastic pollution and increasing recycling rates.

Students became more aware of the effects of plastic pollution on living organisms and the simple changes that they can incorporate in their daily lives to reduce plastic consumption

They gained a greater understanding of the different types of plastics.

Throughout the week, students brought in plastic trash from home.  The event culminated with a school pride assembly in which students constructed an art sculpture with plastic trash.  The students voted to build a sea turtle because it is truly endangered due to the amount of plastic trash we throw into our seas and oceans.
The event was attended by officials from the City of Roswell and the Northwood Community.

# data[].attributes.body
On Friday, September 20th Mr. Tom O'Neil came to Medlock Bridge to share his experiences as a pilot with the fifth grade TAG students!   He shared some actual footage from his past expeditions in the South Pole during his time in the Navy.  Mr. O'Neil offered some amazing insight to answer our essential question for the unit, "How has flight impacted the US economy and culture?". Tom O’Neill is a thirteen year veteran pilot for Delta Airlines.  Prior to Delta, he served for thirteen years in The United States Navy where he flew LC-130 Ski-Equipped C-130's in the
Antarctic and E-6A/B Strategic Communications aircraft throughout the Pacific Theater of operations.

# data[].attributes.body
Take a trip Around the World in an Evening during Hillside’s International Family Fun Night. We
are fusing one of our school’s favorite events with our first family dance in an effort to entertain
our diverse student body with an evening of cultural music, food, and performances.

Friday, October 4th from 5:30pm—8:00pm

Save the Evening!

# data[].attributes.body
The Findley Oaks Elementary Media Center is excited to announce a new program that helps students develop personalized reading lists.
Parents and students love this opportunity to have a “personal shopper,” finding books of interest on an appropriate reading level.  Our wonderful media specialist, Mrs. Rubin, holds one-on-one appointments with students from 7:10 to 7:40 daily. She helps each student develop a list online with a printout to take home.  Students also learn how to find books that are the right fit for them. To sign up, go to the Media Center Web site at www.findleyoaksmediacenter.weebly.com,
click on the Reading tab at the top of the page, then select the “Book” with Mrs. Rubin section. Simply fill out the form with your student and submit it online.

# data[].attributes.body
On October 18, Esther Jackson will celebrate our monthly “College Day.” In an effort to support the FCS goal of college and career readiness, we ask teachers to recognize and highlight post-secondary options each month. Staff wears college attire for each monthly celebration, but more importantly, teachers are asked to make specific college and career connections to the day’s lessons. One of our goals is to encourage students to open up about their dreams for after high school and build understanding of how their learning experiences can make those dreams become reality. We are also striving to connect students with as many adults as possible who can share experiences and advice on how to plan a path to success after high school.

# data[].attributes.body
Dolvin Third grade teachers and students had a great day of learning at their Habitat Living Museum.  Each classroom studied a different aspect, and then the whole grade level spent the day learning about all the habitats.  Students created dioramas, PowerPoints, Animoto videos,
informational props, and posters to teach the information to their peers.  The students were so engaged and LOVED the hands on learning experiences.

# data[].attributes.body
Barnwell PTA Introduces Publix Math Night!

The Barnwell PTA hosted our first annual Publix Math Night on Tuesday, September 17 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at our favorite Publix store at Haynes Bridge Village at the corner of Haynes Bridge
& Old Alabama. We had a fantastic turnout, with all grade levels well-represented at the event. Our PTA worked with our school administration
and Publix management to facilitate inter-active math activities and math-themed grocery scavenger hunts throughout the store, coupled with fun treats for the whole family. The event was free of charge. The Publix crew is also sponsoring and serving treats at Barnwell Elementary School
on October 3 to the 1st grade class and 4th grade class that tied for the highest participation during the event. Thank you Barnwell PTA, and thank you, Publix!

# data[].attributes.body
Abbotts Hill Elementary is in full swing getting students thinking about College and Career Readiness. In order to expose our students to
various colleges and universities, staff members created graduation caps to represent their school. Our counselor, Stephanie Dockery, created a flow chart showing the academic progression from elementary to middle school, from middle
to high school, and from high school and beyond by posing the question, “Where Will Your Future Take You?” In order to help students understand the connectedness between school and career readiness, students were presented with limitless options such as traditional four year colleges, technical schools, the military, and various career options. The board is a big hit with the students and many have shared that they want to attend some of the institutions represented on the board! This sparked interest has created meaningful dialog with students grades K-5 about what they want to be when they grow up, and what it
will take to make their dreams come true!

# data[].attributes.headline
Differentiation Lunch & Learn @ Northview HS 

# data[].attributes.subject
Differentiation Lunch & Learn @ Northview HS 

# data[].attributes.body
Northview’s Professional Development Initiative-Lunch and Learn Sessions

Yes, it is true, the Titans are lifelong learners!

This year at Northview High School we are embracing the concept of CPD-Continuing
Professional Development. We have started an initiative to embrace professional learning sessions and become lifelong learners. Our PD sessions are held during lunch and have become our new “Lunch and Learn” Professional Development initiative, many of the sessions lasting over a two-three day period. Yes, our teachers are eating and learning at the same time.

In all professions, trends, procedures, and
practices are forever changing. Research is always discovering new processes and learning strategies. Within our profession, it is of extreme importance to stay abreast of these changes. Continuing professional development raises the
standards of our skill set. The continuation of updating skills, developing knowledge, and exploring ways to do this is what makes Northview’s initiative unique. In order to feel more positive and confident about their profession, our teachers are taking a keen interest in supporting the initiative, which was developed as a result of our Organizational Scan. The teachers are inspired by new ideas and anxiously awaiting an opportunity to share at our upcoming “Best Practices” learning session. What’s even more unique about the Professional Development (PD) initiative is the concept that we are offering authentic learning experiences for our teachers, identical to what we expect our teachers to do for our students. We are encouraging our leaders in our community, teacher leaders, and aspiring teacher leaders to share and spread the wealth of knowledge. Thus far, we have received the encouraging words, leadership, and guidance of Amy Booms, Humanities Specialist, as she most recently led our Differentiation Lunch and Learn Session. We have also enjoyed the leadership and guidance of Abby May, STEM specialist, as she reminded us of how “Flipping a Classroom” can really make a world of difference for many students, as well as extend the class working period. Nevertheless, what makes the initiative distinctive is that, while we do utilize our outside resources, we also rely on our teacher leaders to share their best practices-proven to drive success. Northview is
determined to keep up with the latest teaching techniques, reviews of best practices, and current technology by using our resources. Our teachers are inspired by the new ideas and skills they inquire during the Lunch and Learn sessions, but most importantly is the benefit to our students' education; It means our students will always receive the most up to date and highest standards of teaching from the greatest teachers on Parsons Road.

Take a peek at our upcoming menu of Professional Learning Sessions:

# data[].attributes.body
NELC High Schools Bolstering Student Leadership Skills

All four high schools within the City of Johns Creek have been involved in the support of “Student Leadership Johns Creek” for two school years now.  The adult “Leadership Johns Creek “ created
this student opportunity in the spring of 2012. Eight students are selected as emerging leaders from Centennial HS, Chattahoochee HS, Johns Creek HS, and Northview HS.  The mission of the program is “To develop, energize, and activate community leaders in Johns Creek by
providing insight into and interaction with city, business, and government executives to affect positive change.”  This effort supports our
Northeast Learning Community strategic objective that “All schools provide continuous opportunities for all students to serve and to lead within their own community and beyond.”  This relationship creates a perfect fit.

Students selected for the program hold off-campus retreats as well as participate in field trips
covering areas such as the city government of Johns Creek, local non-profits, state government, community businesses, economic development, and public safety.  Each school team of students also carries out one community service project each school year.  Students participate for two years– one year as a new member learning, the second year as mentors for the new team members.  What a great real-world experience for our students.  Thank you Leadership Johns Creek!

Student Leadership Johns Creek web site: http://www.leadershipjohnscreek.com/student-leadership-program/

# data[].attributes.body
Chattahoochee High School is pleased to announce the introduction of the 2013-2014 Accelerated Science Program (ASP) for matriculating freshmen. This program is intended to assist our most advanced students in becoming nationally and globally competitive in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. While most students have their first chance to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) science courses during their junior year, Accelerated Science Program students will be allowed to enroll as early as the sophomore year.

Each semester, ASP students will earn one full science credit in either Honors Biology or Honors Chemistry for a total of two science credits during their freshman year at Chattahoochee High School.  Ms. Kathryn Pierce will be teaching the Honors Biology course and Mr. Matt Mihordea will be teaching the Honors Chemistry course. These courses will be scheduled as a block. Upon completion of both Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry, students will have the opportunity to apply for AP science courses in the following fields: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science.
Successful completion of an above average number of AP courses will benefit our ASP students in the following ways:

-Receive a rigorous education not offered in
on-level science courses

·Increased readiness for college through critical
thinking and problem solving skills acquired through AP coursework

·Have a competitive edge during college
admissions as success in AP courses is a sign of college preparedness to admissions committees

-Earn accelerated placement in college courses OR
earn college credits - most universities grant credit or advanced placement to students earning 3 or higher on AP exams

·Higher qualification for scholarships

The Accelerated Science Program is intended for students whose intellectual capabilities, work ethic, interest, and motivation are markedly above average as indicated by their most recent CRCT scores.

# data[].attributes.body
One of Centennial's School Governance Council's approved long-term outcomes is that "Students
will graduate with leadership and service experience." Our goal is to build our portfolio of service leadership opportunities for our students. Just one week after we approved our Strategic Plan, we have already added a new opportunity for our students - the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy!

This Leader Academy brings a fresh approach to leadership, knowing that young people truly
can make a difference. Through a unique Engage-Expose-Equip approach, students will learn invaluable leadership lessons that culminate in an Impact Project.  Leader Academy engages students where they currently are, exposes them to leadership insights, and equips them with tools to make a difference in their community through a capstone Impact Project.

The Leader Academy involves 30 Centennial students in the seven-month curriculum, with an
opportunity for the entire student body to get involved in the project portion.  This program meets monthly throughout the school year,
and students create Impact Projects in the spring. Leadership education includes VISION AND VALUES, SERVANT, TEAMWORK, COMMUNICATION, INNOVATION, and IMPACT!

# data[].attributes.body
To celebrate the Month of the Young Adolescent, MOYA, select group of students leaders from the Student Government Association were invited to serve on the MOYA Committee. These student leaders collaborated with teachers and administrators to organize events for the celebration. The discussions and feedback from these students allowed their voice and ideas to direct and provide meaningful MOYA opportunities for all students.

In an effort to celebrate the uniqueness of each student, we organized dress-up days which included Twin Day, Heritage/Culture Day, Support your Sports Day, No Sweat Day,  and TaCkY
Day. The Celebration will conclude with a School Team Spirit Day which will consist of a Pep Rally to build team spirit and celebrate being an adolescent.

Pictured below are Alexander Welch, Hailey Morash, Marcus Stephen, Campbell Auerbach and
Ananda Thomas as they collaborate with teachers and administrators.

# data[].attributes.body
We’re pleased to announce two new programs being introduced for our students at Taylor Road.  The Graduation Coach, Counseling, and Peer Mediation programs have collaborated to create a Homework Center catering to students completing major projects who may lack the necessary technology, tools, and/or supplies for rubric compliance during after school hours or at home. The Homework Center will also serve as an opportunity for students to learn time management skills, study habits, and to ask pertinent questions for major assignments.  Major projects are defined as rubric-specific assignments requiring online resources, materials, and/or supplies.  The Homework Center will open each 1st and 3rd Friday beginning October 2013 in the enrichment center-Room 715 at 7:45 AM - 8:45 AM.

Our second new and improved program is an offshoot from our PREP (Positive, Responsible, Educated, & Prepared) Mentoring Program for boys established in 2004 whose mission was to develop academic and social growth in teen boys experiencing difficult situations/choices.  The exceptional success of PREP sparked an interest from our members to target career areas for those planning to enter the healthcare field.  From that discussion, a new direction was recognized and hence PREP 2.0 was born which now opens an opportunity for boys grades 6-8 interested in the areas of technology and medicine to participate and learn.  PREP 2.0 begins October 2013 and will include guest speakers, field outings, college tours, and interest-building activities. Meetings are scheduled for each 1st and 3rd Wednesday 8:00 AM – 8:50 AM.  While most boys are selected for membership invitation, other boys interested are encouraged to make inquiries to any PREP 2.0 staff member for participation.

# data[].attributes.body
How do the rights and privileges of people in other countries compare with the people here in the United States? Students at Holcomb Bridge Middle School (HBMS) delved into this meaningful topic and more during the third annual One School, One Book program, which concluded on Friday, September 27, 2013 with a special luncheon attended by the students, their parents, and faculty members. Over the last two weeks, the entire school read The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis, the first in a trilogy of suspenseful novels that give Western readers a glimpse into the plight of living under the rule of the Taliban in
Afghanistan. Prior to the reading the novel, students immersed themselves in an entire day of learning about the culture, history, and geography of Afghanistan.

Inspired by an article on literacy, a science teacher
at Holcomb Bridge brought the idea to the school three years ago, and it quickly evolved from there. “The One Book program continues to exceed our expectations,” said Principal Joy Schroerlucke. “The goal of the program is simple: to promote literacy and foster a community of readers, while creating a common experience as everyone reads the same book, yet the implications are far-reaching. The program provides us with a forum to engage students in meaningful academic instruction, as well as critical lessons in character and respect for all peoples. As a school of global classrooms, these discussions have an impact right here in our own community.”

During the two week period, students meet
daily in small groups with their G.A.T.E. mentor to discuss the book and follow key lesson plans. G.A.T.E., which stands for Gifts, Abilities, Talents, and Excellence, is a mentoring group established by HBMS for every student to help identify the special talents and gifts that every student possesses and how they might use them to excel.

The Breadwinner has been published around the world in seventeen languages, with more than a million dollars in royalties donated to Street Kids International and to Women for Women, an organization that supports health and education projects in Afghanistan. In 2006, author Deborah
Ellis was named to the Order of Ontario.

Pictured below:

6th grade teacher Ashley Perry’s G.A.T.E. and One Book group: Front Row L-R: Omar Alhabbal, Eli Brogdon, Nyasia Bravo, Gabrielle Collins, Israel Aiyeola. Second Row L-R: Gustavo Guijosa-Gomez, Jackson Cordes, Mena Perry, Keyonna
Swanigan, DJ Thompson. Back Row L-R: Sebastian Sanchez, Samantha Hughes

Parents join students atluncheon to conclude the One Book project: L-R: Petie Armbruster, Matthew Armbruster, Sudi Larsen, Mandy Larsen, Camden Thompson, Kim
Thompson.

# data[].attributes.body
Haynes Bridge Middle School is taking technology in the classroom to higher levels. On Tuesday, September 17, Haynes Bridge teachers who are involved in the 6th grade 1:1 iPad pilot received their iPads. They also recieved training from an Apple representative who specializes in using iPads in the classroom.  Teachers were excited and enthusiastic, and they developed their own professional learning communities to support their use of iPads to deliver meaningful learning
opportunities for students.  Now teachers can be researching to look for best practices and then share them with their colleagues in preparation for the students receiving their individual iPad.

# data[].attributes.body
Parents were invited to the AMMS TEACH-nology Center on September 25th  for a presentation on Technology @AMMS and Digital Citizenship. Technology Integration Specialist, Stephanee Stephens and Jessica Pater, Associate Director, Foundations for the Future Program at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, educated parents on the types of technology uses that are being incorporated into the classrooms here at AMMS, and how parents can stay informed and involved in the ever changing digital lives of their children.