The RAMS Reporter

1. M. Agnes Jones Elementary School Atlanta Public Schools The RAMS Reporter School Reform Team 1 Fall Edition October 8, 2009 Linking the School, Home and Community “Continuing the Pursuit of Excellence” What are some easy ways for me to help at home? Our Principal Speaks… By Melanie Johnson, Instructional Liaison Specialist • “Help! I’m a busy parent and I want to work with my child at home. What should I do?” I have heard so many parents ask this same question. The answer is easy. There are many things that you can do at home to build on what your child is already doing in school. Here are some helpful tips: • Learning Resources at Home • Every home has resources (print materials, measuring devices, tools and implements of various kinds) that can be used to create activities that will further children’s learning in language, mathematics, and science. With younger children, you can turn regular household chores into opportunities for learning. • You could ask children to: • read recipes, measure ingredients, compare foods, and learn new words such as names of spices; • sort items of clothing for the laundry according to color, read washing instructions, measure detergent, and time wash cycles; • write shopping lists, compare prices, make change, and identify and classify food items; • sort pictures for photo albums, write labels or captions for each photo, and write a newspaper article about a photo; • sort items in a “junk drawer”, label them, and arrange them alphabetically. • Source: www.edu.gov • Remember, these are only a few suggestions. Get creative and come up with other fun ways to engage your children in learning at home! Educate, Empower and Believe! Educate, empower and believe is a mantra that we are committed to accomplishing this year at M. Agnes Jones Elementary. Our high level of instructing coupled with our high expectations will empower our students to become leaders of the world. Yes, each of us must ensure that our students know that we believe in them and that they can achieve this immense goal. President Obama spoke to our students about setting goals. We are well on our way to achieving this goal. M. Agnes Jones was recently awarded the honor of being named a Georgia “No Excuses School.” This means that our children are held to a high standard of learning and they successfully meet these standards. This fete would not be possible without quality teachers, phenomenal students and exceptional parents and community. Lastly, we are growing!!!! Due to increased enrollment the M. Agnes Jones family welcomes Ms. Borman (kindergarten), Ms. Rice (second), Ms. Jacob (fourth- not pictured) and Mrs. Bass our new assistant principal. The M. Agnes Jones staff wishes a great 2009-2010 school year for all of our students, parents and community! Sincerely,

2. Partnerships What’s New In Reading Wings? By Gwendolyn Alston, SFA Facilitator Making A Difference at MAJ! Georgia-Pacific continues to be an important part of our school and Georgia-Pacific continues to be an important part of our school and community. This year, approximately 133 employees from throughout the company volunteer, mentor and tutor at our school. Students eagerly await their “Buddies” each day with assignments in hand for extra support. Our Buddies come prepared to teach and mentor our 3rd – 5th grade students. Our partnership activities for this year include: our annual trip to the Governor’s mansion, new computers for the perfect attendance incentive (6), Job Shadowing at GP, and many, many more! Georgia-Pacific also provides the school with a full- time, on-site technology person to support the school in their daily computer needs as well as publications and communication. GP has been a part of the MAJ family for many years and many more to come!” Wings teachers and students are excited about the new additions to the reading program focusing on increased student engagement and motivation. A new team scoring process gives immediate feedback to students on the how they work as a team. Team members get to record and keep track of their scores on their Team Score Sheet as they work cooperatively to meet their goals. The team goal is a way to improve the students’ in-class behavior and teaches them how to work effectively with a small group. Students are able to also earn 80, 90 or 100 points for their team on the use of comprehension strategies through Think and Connect and Write On. Teachers are enjoying the addition of web-based tools to help with the management of classroom data and team feedback. They are able to print summary reports and certificates for individuals, teams and classes easily. Ms. Quinones’ above level readers are proudly displaying their SuperTeam Certificates below. Her students said recently, “We love reading in this class and hope Ms. Quinones will teach us all year.” The Cascade-Buckhead Links, Inc. The Links have developed year long self- enhancement and service learning projects with our school. Students meet monthly to discuss and take part in such activities as self-esteem building, public speaking and participate in service learning projects. Our major projects this year is continuing our work with our adopted school in Haiti and implementing United Nations day. MAJ students look forward to working and learning with these extraordinary role-models. Understanding Math with Project GRAD By Tyrone Hankerson, Project GRAD Math Facilitator The Project GRAD Mathematics program puts an emphasis on student discovery, reasoning, and mathematics communication. As all of these components come together, mathematical concepts can be better understood and articulated by our students. With this deeper understanding, students also develop a fluency in the facts and procedures of mathematics. Most importantly, students are prepared to proceed to the next grade level with the confidence and skills necessary to move through the curriculum, with a strong foundation based upon understanding rather than memorization. Furthermore, Project GRAD Mathematics instruction incorporates a well articulated algebra strand at every grade level, to insure students’ preparation for higher level mathematics courses during high school and beyond. At M.A. Jones, we are committed to the goals of Project GRAD Mathematics! We are working diligently to provide quality math instruction to each and every student and we welcome your active participation. We know our students thrive from positive home and school communication. Please feel free to visit the following website for more information http://www.projectgradatlanta.org Dogwood City Chapter Links, Inc. The Dogwood Chapter of the Links, Inc. continue to share their energy, resources and commitment as they serve as catalysts for positive change at Jones. We are happy to have them join our efforts to curb childhood obesity through project “Walking Fete”, the Keep It Moving Project, and our new breast cancer awareness initiative. Community Churches Support School Friendship Baptist, Warren Memorial United Methodist and Shiloh Baptist continue to support Jones. They provide uniforms, tutoring, supplies and chaperones for trips. We are pleased to have these wonderful supporters for our students.

3. Book Parade 2009! By Gigi Miller – Media Specialist News from the P.E. Department! The media center at M. Agnes Jones is like the “town square” of a small community. Not only is it located at the center of the school physically but, it is also center to many of the school activities. The M. Agnes Jones Media Committee recently sponsored our 1st Annual Book Character Parade for our Accelerated Reader Kickoff. Students were able to choose a book a dress as their favorite character. It was a fun filled activity that got our students excited about reading. Kudos!!, to all of our teachers, parents and especially the Washington High Drummers for leading our parade. It would not have been possible without you. Happy Reading! By, Lance Irvin – Physical Education Teacher Attention RAMS!!!  The HOPSports interactive youth physical education training progam has arrived to benefit the overall health and wellness of the students.  The HOPSports system includes a multimedia cart, projector, sound system, Phillips AED and media center.The HOPSports mission is to improve the activity, health and vitality of America's youth by implementing physical activities with a unique and effective system to encourage movement, educate youth on energy and nutrition and deliver important societal messages in a cost-effective, entertaining, and youth-oriented format!  We look forward to enhancing achievement through physical activity.  Healthy students + Healthy Staff = Healthy School, which makes a healthier community.  This will only enhance achievement!! President Obama addresses the nation’s students, MAJ listens! By Michael McMillian, Technology Specialist Music Notes By Zipporah Taylor, Music Teacher The M A J choral music season is off to an exciting start. This year over fifty students auditioned for the thirty-five available spots. The singers are currently learning the fundamentals of quality choral singing such as blend, phrasing, and vowel placement. The chorus is preparing for their upcoming performances at Atlantic Station and Georgia Pacific. Congratulations to MariyahScholfield for being accepted into the Atlanta Public Schools Elementary Honor Chorus. Mariyah is a fifth grader in Mrs. Freeland’s class. Stay tuned for more exciting news! On Tuesday, September 9, 2009, M. Agnes Jones Elementary school’s fifth-grade students were visited by local media to capture footage while they watched President Obama’s national speech encouraging students to stay in school, study and work hard. Reporters from the AJC and TV stations visited the classroom of Ms.Corliss Love and interviewed students. When asked how she enjoyed the experience of watching the President and being interviewed by the media, student Winifrid Webb responded, “I enjoyed watching the President because he spoke to us about education and how to reach our goals and I felt scared when I was interviewed by the media. Then my feelings changed because I felt my interview helped others around the world see how the President’s speech affected me.” Our very own Principal, Mrs. Woolfolk, was interviewed by the AJC and was quoted as saying considering the president’s background and success story, his message “was so perfect for this school,” according to the AJC article. “His message to any child is you can move beyond your challenges and become successful,” she told the AJC. “Educators nurture the seeds of today so they may bloom into the flowers of tomorrow.” - Author Unknown

4. Classroom News “It takes a village to raise a child”By, The Kindergarten Team Cont’d The last few weeks we’ve learned about several different strategies to help us add. No more fingers! First graders now know that they can use counting on, doubles, doubles plus one, make-a-ten, use a number line, and/or the draw a picture strategy. Whew! These mathematicians can’t wait to graduate from college! So, let’s continue the energy and excitement in first grade. One thing for sure, it’s never a boring day in the first grade! See you next time… Hats off to the Kindergarten/ Pre-K team for Understanding this old adage. This year kindergarten and pre-k have created our very own village of classroom all located on the same hall. In addition to seeing the beautiful boys and girls, the teachers have been able to utilize the talents and provide support as a unified team. So kindergarten boys and girls, just remember you always have more than one pair of eyes watching over you at all times. Let’s show how well we behave! The kindergarten team knows the village approach makes for a smoother daily work day, we also know that “One Size Does NOT Fit All” for teaching a child. Our goal is to shape and mold our children as they grow into productive citizens. We truly believe that “One Teacher Doesn’t Fit All” and “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” We would like to give a warm welcome to Mrs. Johnson and Ms. Borman! We are excited to welcome them to our dynamic kindergarten team. They are a great addition to the team. Our love and thoughts go out to Ms. Martin and Mrs. Arnold as we wish them a speedy recovery. We love you Mrs. Brewer for always being there when we need you! Time Flies When We’re Having FUN! By The Second Grade Team Time flies but it hasn’t gotten away from the second graders! We have spent the past few weeks discussing and capturing all of the important moments of our lives by completing personal timelines. We invite you stop by our hallway or inside our classrooms to learn more about our marvelous lives. We have cheerleaders, football players, dance queens, honor roll scholars, and even principal’s list recipients. The teachers are very impressed by the excitement and engagement that the students displayed during the timeline presentations and throughout the learning day. All of the teachers want to say thank you to all of the students who have committed to reading nightly for 20 minutes and returning their reading response forms everyday. Second grade teachers are waiting to make the school-wide announcement that says, “ALL second grade students have returned their reading form for one whole week!” The teachers have agreed to celebrate by having a cupcake party on the following Friday. Let’s go second graders…Who is willing to step up to the plate? We will see when we check the reading forms. Second grade teachers would also like to send a warm welcome to our newest addition, Ms. Rice. Ms. Rice is very excited to join the Spectacular Second Grade Team, here at MAJ and we look forward to a great school year. Lastly, we would like to send parents and students a notice to get ready to participate in the MAJ school science fair. We will send you all of the information you need to help us transform our Spectacular Second Graders in to Spectacular Scientists. Let’s get started because the November science fair will be here before you know it. FIRST GRADE ROCKS! By, The First Grade Team The first grade team is excited about the new school year, new faces, and new minds. Our theme this year is “First Grade Rocks!” We chose that theme because in first grade, there is lots of energy and excitement about learning. The students have really been excited about Math and Science. They have learned some addition strategies and even witnessed a few meatballs falling from the sky! Yikes! In September, the first graders studied the book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and they were able to attend the movie. This tall tale helped the students learn more about predicting the weather and analyzing weather patterns. The students also tracked the weather for September in their weather journals. “I want to be a meteorologist!”, said Matthew Scholfield. The sky is the limit…just watch out for those meatballs! THIRD GRADE at a Glance By, The Third Grade Team Look out Albert Einstein! The third graders of MAJ are scientists in the making! This year third grade students have been actively engaged in the world of science conducting experiments about rocks, minerals, soil, and much more. These third graders are really involved in understanding the world around them! “I enjoy the science experiments because I can work with my class and my teacher,” said Desiree Gonzalez in Ms. Berry class.

5. Classroom News Cont’d Aside from becoming scientists, third graders are learning about our democratic heritage in social studies. Third grade teachers have been working with connections teachers to bring real-life connections to student learning! Mr. Veon, our Art teacher stated, “I'm a bit of a history expert and one of my specialty areas is Ancient Greece.” Students have been creating drawings displaying the connections of the architecture in United States and within Ancient Greece. We want to extend a special thanks to Mrs. Johnson, our ILS for sharing her personal experience of Greece by providing visual aids that helped to further students’ learning. Her real life examples helped the students compare buildings of the past to the buildings of today. “I’m glad we have a staff willing to help our students to promote learning through integrated instruction,” said Dr. Cook. As third graders continue to explore the world around them, stay tuned to hear about exciting field trips that connect our learning because we are Aspiring, Believing, and Committed to Student Success! Fifth Grade Survivors Out Wit, Out Practice, and Out Smart the GPS Standards! by, The Fifth Grade Team   The fifth graders are off to a fantastic start this school year. As the fifth grade students watched Obama’s speech on education, we captured the attention of and were featured in the New York Times, Bloomberg Television, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and on all local news stations for our commitment to education. We engaged in an intense dialogue about education, our pledge to stay in school, and our positive futures. Science is good? All the time! All the time? Science is good!: Mrs. Seville The fifth grade has been learning about landforms and many of Earth’s features. Our students are having fun making volcanoes erupt and cleaning water during the science lab inquiries. We invite parents to the fifth grade hall to see the wonderful projects on display. The fifth grade students did a fabulous job creating landform booklets and 3D landform models. Some students have used technology to create PowerPoint presentations, while others used the Photo Story program to create science picture documentaries. Stay tuned for our science culminating activities! Social Studies: Ms. Love May we please get a drum roll for all our fifth graders who created the beautiful Civil War Drums, which are also prominently displayed on the fifth grade hall! The students also took a heart warming trip to the America I Am exhibit. We had a wonderful time observing real artifacts from the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Civil Rights era. Students were fascinated to learn about all of the contributions that African Americans added to building the foundation of America! Math: Ms. Englert and Ms. Freeland We are so proud of our fifth graders who have been working hard to meet and exceed all of the standards for math. Students have been learning about interpreting graphs and how to dispute and analyze “misleading” data. We are now beginning to add and multiply two and three digit numbers with decimals. Please continue to have your students brush up on those multiplication facts, every little bit helps! Writing: Writing continues to be an important part of the fifth grade curriculum. For the first nine weeks of school, we have been working on narrative writing. Please continue to practice having your child add voice, vision, and sound to their writings. Fourth Grade Rocks! By The Fourth Grade Team Welcome to 4th Grade!  We are so excited to begin a new school year and enjoyed seeing all of you who were able to attend Sneak-A-Peek in August.  This year we’re going focus on the basics:  reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.  Our number one goal is to help students become independent, life-long learners.  Science Our budding scientists will soon begin exploring a unit on weather. We will review and identify the various states of water and determine the temperature at which it changes states. We will keep track of current weather and climate conditions to determine patterns. In addition, we will utilize some of the same instruments used by meteorologists to collect and analyze our data. Social Studies – I AM This past week, students were extremely fortunate to visit the I AM Exhibit at the Atlanta Civic Center. It was an amazing trip through African American History! We were able to travel through time from the moment of our ancestors involuntary entry into the United States, to the current day. We read and observed artifacts from the Civil War Period, as well as watched films documenting events that took place during the Civil Rights Era to the current day and the election of Barack Obama. It was an emotional, touching, and rich learning experience for the entire 4th grade class. We’d like to extend an extra special welcome to Ms. Jacobs, a new 4th grade teacher, coming to us from Dekalb County. We all look forward to a triumphant journey this year.

6. Time for Spanish By Iris Quiñones – Spanish Teacher Art at MAJ! By Raymond Veon – Art Teacher “Jarica enjoys Spanish class and I’m very happy. I hope that she may become bilingual one day.” Those were the words of Ms. Ebony Whisonant mother of Jarica Williams, a 5th grade student from Mrs. Seville class. Atlanta Public School and the teachers at M. Agnes Jones share the same vision of success. Our wish is that by the end of their elementary, middle and high school years, our students will be bilingual. By giving them the opportunity to learn basic Spanish in the elementary level, our students will have the advantage of knowing and being introduced to a different culture and learn new traditions. This year, our students are learning basic facts about the 21 countries that speak Spanish as their official language. There is more than the experience of learning Spanish; a new language helps in the improvement of memorization, which they need for math and other subjects. Also we compare what we already know about our first language with the new information. This helps our students understand their first language better, meaning that they can do better in language arts and reading. Spanish is taught every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in room 242. Come; learn some Spanish with us too! Art classes are off to a great start this year! Students are learning that artists generate many ideas and critically reflect to choose the one that best helps them achieve their artistic goals. Both McCarthey-Dressman art grants, "A Masterpiece of Learning and "On SIte/Insight," have been renewed for the 2009-2010 school year. Parents, students and faculty are invited to learn more about MAJ's leadership in the arts at: www.igniteart.weebly.com Parent Connection MAJ Shows our Giving Spirit! By Stephanie Bagley – First Grade Teacher On Monday, September 21st, the staff and students of Clarksdale Elementary School incurred a devastating loss when their school was submerged under water by the flood. The building was a total loss since all supplies and materials inside were destroyed. Although the temporarily displaced children and teachers were eventually relocated to local are schools in Cobb County, we know that their hearts remain heavy about not being able to return to their beloved school which they worked so hard to establish. To show our giving spirit, the MAJ family pulled together to collect school supplies to assist the children and teachers as they settle into their new environments. Students also wrote letters to express their love and support for the students of Clarkdale Elementary. It is our hope that the care packages sent will bring a smile to the faces of those affected during this difficult time. We look forward to more opportunities to share our time and resources with people who are in need. Clarksdale Elementary, we love you and know that you will be happier than ever at your new school! Reading Recovery on the Move By Mrs. R. Anderson and Mrs. Criss We are off to a good start in Reading Recovery. The students are excited about learning to read. They are making steady progression in reading and writing. Davion Head stated, “I like taking home different stories to read” and Jeremiah Riles stated, “Reading is fun and I like reading with expression when I get to the exclamation point”. KEEP TRACK OF US IN READING RECOVERY AS WE MOVE THROUGH READING AND WRITING TO REACH OUR GOALS! “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” - John Dewey

7. Counselor’s Corner By Mrs. Petrina Howard - Counselor Back in Business! By Precious Moon, 4th Grade Teacher Red Ribbon Week! “Jump Start” your savings with the MAJ Citizens Trust Bank that will have its Grand Opening on Wednesday, October 21,2009 @ 11:00 am. Start saving for college today for your child or grandchild and let them help you. This gives students the opportunity to open and maintain their own savings account, while introducing relevant math and banking skills they will utilize in the future. The only requirement is making an initial deposit of $10.00. Please ask your child’s homeroom teacher for an application. We look forward to seeing you at the Grand Opening on October 21, 2009! M Agnes Jones Elementary will celebrate Red Ribbon Week October 20-24, 2009 Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enriqué “Kiki” Camarena. Special Agent Kiki Camarena: · Special Agent Camarena was an 11-year veteran of the DEA assigned to the Guadalajara, Mexico, office where he was on the trail of the country’s biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers. In 1985, he was extremely close to unlocking a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline. · On February 7, 1985, he was kidnapped, brutally tortured, and murdered by Mexican drug traffickers. His tragic death opened the eyes of many Americans to the dangers of drugs and the international scope of the drug trade. History of Red Ribbon Week: · Shortly after Kiki’s death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Kiki’s high school friend Henry Lozano launched “Camarena Clubs” in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifice made by Kiki Camarena. · These pledges were delivered to First Lady Nancy Reagan at a national conference of parents combating youth drug use. Several state parent organizations then called on community groups to wear red ribbons during the last week of October as a symbol of their drug-free commitment. Homework Hints • Students at MAJ have homework Monday through Thursday evenings. Here are a few hints to help maximize your child’s homework experience! • Provide a consistent and quiet place for your children to complete their homework every night. • Ask your children if they understand their homework. If they do not, work a few examples together. • Utilize the APS Homework Hotline. It’s free and available from 3:00pm-5:00pm, Monday – Thursday evenings. (see ad to the left) • Ask your children to show you their homework after the teacher returns it, to learn where they're having trouble and where they're doing well. See if your children did the work correctly. • Stay in touch with your children’s teacher. Ask about their class and what they are studying. Ask teachers how you can support what they are studying (flash cards, spelling, projects, etc.). • Remember, you and your child’s teacher want the same thing—to help your child learn. • Don't do your children's work. Help your children to learn independently. • Show your children that you think homework is important. If you are at work during homework time, ask to see their work when you get home. • Help older students organize their assignments by recording them on calendars or agendas, along with due dates, dates turned in, etc. Free Homework Hotline 678-553-3029 or www.myhomeworkhotline.org The Atlanta Public School System offers Homework assistance to our students who are in in need of extra support Monday thru Thursday. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade may call between 3pm and 5pm. Students should have the following items before calling: Textbook (if available), homework assignment, paper, pen or pencil and calculator (if needed).

8. ATLANTA BOARD OF EDUCATION Mrs. Brenda J. Muhammad (District 1) Khaatim Sheerer El (District 2) Mrs. Cecily Harsch-Kinnane (District 3) Ms. Kathleen Pattillo (District 4) Ms. LaChandra D. Butler (District 5) Ms. Yolanda Johnshon (District 6) Mr. Eric Wilson (Seat 7, At Large) Mr. Mark Riley (Seat 8, At Large) Mr. Emmett Johnson, President (Seat 9, At Large) ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Dr. Beverly Hall Superintendent Ms. Kathy Augustine Deputy Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Sharon Davis-Williams Executive Director School Reform Team 1 LOCAL SCHOOL LEADERSHIP Mrs. Margul Retha Woolfolk Principal Mrs. Velva Bass Assistant Principal Mrs. Melanie Johnson Instructional Liaison Specialist Mrs. Gwendolyn Alston Design Team Chair Success for All Facilitator Mr. Tyrone Hankerson Project GRAD Math Facilitator Mrs. Petrina Howard Counselor CMCD Facilitator Newsletter Staff 10 Ways to Help Improve Your Child’s Math Skills Promote a positive attitude about math. What you say influences how your child thinks. Incorporate math into your child’s daily life. Have your child count out change or help with recipes that are halved or doubled. Help your child appreciate how math is used in everyday life – for example, in sports, or when making purchases and paying bills. Make math fun. Dominoes, cards and board games that use counting and paper money to improve mental math skills. Ask for explanations of math assignments so you know that concepts are understood. Challenge your child to be persistent about solving difficult math problems. Review your child’s homework and discover together how mistakes were made. Encourage your child to do extra problems to build upon math skills. Talk with your child’s teacher about how you can help with the learning process. Praise your child’s efforts and math accomplishments. REMEMBER – Practice in mathematics is the same as for sports – it helps if your child master new skills. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Test Taking Tips • Be Positive • Do your homework • Do your best on benchmark and practice tests • Sleep eight hours each night • Eat Right • Dress Right • Be on time • Be Alert, Calm & Confident • Listen carefully and follow directions • Answer what each question asks • Answer questions you know first • Work at the right pace • Smile after each testing session • When you have done your best on the test, BE • PROUD! Staff LaVasia Bullard, Second Grade Teacher Michael McMillian, Technical Assistant Rachel Morgan, Third Grade Teacher School Photographer Yolanda Shorthouse, Paraprofessional M.Agnes Jones Elementary School 1040 Fair Street, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30314 (404) 802-3900 (404) 752-5655 www.apskids.org The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or sexual orientation in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services, or activities. For additional information about non- discrimination provisions, contact the Office of Educational Opportunities Coordinator, 2930 Forrest Hill Drive, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30315. APS Website at www.atlanta.k12.ga.us