2nd Quarter PANTHER PRESS 2018-2019

Principal Dr. Teresa W. Hargrett 6th Grade Administrator

Ms. Eva Miano 7th Grade Administrator

Ms. Twyla Hinton 8th Grade Administrator Mr. William Grant Student Services Admin. Ms. Crysta Caruthers Counseling Dept. Ms. Kim Gray Ms. Rebecca Moore Language Arts Coordinator Ms. Tara Mann Math Coordinator Mr. Todd White Science Coordinator Ms. Oneisha Young Social Studies Coordinator Mr. Kasisi Brown Gifted Coordinator Ms. Laura Thomson ESOL Coordinator Ms. Melissa Guglielmi Academic Coach Ms. Sara Folk

Floyd Middle School Cobb STEM Certified School

2016 Bronze National Healthy Schools Award Title I Distinguished School

Honorable Mention for High Flying Schools Award

ASME INSPIRE Certification 2015-2017 Beating the Odds Designation by GOSA

Newsletter Date

January, 2019

4803 Floyd Road, Mableton, GA 30126 PH 770-819-2453 Fax 770-819-2455

http://www.cobbk12.org/Floyd/ http://teresahargrettblog.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/TeresaHargrett

Floyd’s very own 8th grade chorus performed the National Anthem at the Atlanta Hawks game on Thursday, November 1! Thank you to Floyd PTSA, Staff, and other Generous Donors who made this possi- ble for our students! Also, 6 of our chorus students were chosen for Cobb County Honor Chorus and put on a lovely concert with 200 other talented and passionate 7th and 8th grade students from across the district on Tuesday, November 13.

Page 2 Panther Press, 2nd Quarter, 2018-2019

SOCIAL STUDIES

This has been a very busy quarter in 6th grade social studies. Students learned about the history, gov-ernments and economic systems of Europe. Students completed a variety of tasks that focused on critical thinking and inquiry. It is our goal this quarter to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand a rapidly changing world. To provide meaningful learning experiences to our students, we worked on a semester long PBL. In this task students assumed the role of travel agents who planned a trip to Europe for a family of four. This was an interdisciplinary task that was completed primarily in social studies, but also in other content areas as well. Students were excited to present their presentations to their parents and our school community. Upon returning from our holiday break, we will begin our study of Australia. We will explore the na-tion’s geography, history, government and economic systems. Students will continue to be challenged during the next semester by working on a new PBL for the second semester. We look forward to hav-ing a wonderful and productive second semester. Parents please to continue monitor your child’s aca-demic progress and teacher’s blogs. Wishing each of you a wonderful holiday season. 7th Grade has been traveling throughout Afr ica this quar ter. We have been focusing on the physical geography of the region, and exploring the various landforms. The students participated in a virtual tour of Africa, where they traveled from the Sahara Desert to the Tropical Rain Forest. The students were able to see real pictures and videos of these important landmarks of Africa using Google Maps. We are looking forward to continuing our study of Africa after the Holiday Break. We will begin the quarter with a new novel study, A Long Walk to Water.

At the beginning of Quarter 2, sixth grade began our unit on Earth, Moon and Sun. The student analyze how the tilt of the Earth and its revolution around the sun influence seasons. They made models of the sun-earth-moon system to explain moon phases and eclipses through the Moon Phases Cookie Lab (see pictures). We delved into Weather and Climate learning about the Earth’s atmosphere, Local and Global Winds and how air masses and fronts causes weather patterns. During the 2nd nine weeks’ 8th grade students ex- plored the units entitled “Force and Motion” and “Energy and Energy Resources.” In the Forces and Motion unit, students learned about the nature of forces and how forces act on objects to impact their motion. In the Ener-gy and Energy Resources unit, the students learned about different forms of energy, about energy conversions, and about how we use energy resources in daily life. By the end of the two units, stu-dents began to demonstrate a clear understanding of the unit’s concepts through their Roller Coaster PBL to be completed during the 3rd nine weeks. Make sure to check your student’s Edmodo ac-count weekly for class assignments and additional resources.

Floyd’s Mission: Perform with Excellence Floyd’s Vision: A community engaged in real-life, innovative experiences preparing our students to

be college and career-ready.

SCIENCE

January, 2019 Page 3

In order to earn promotion to the next grade level, the student must meet all of the following criteria:

(1)Pass math, English/language arts and one additional core subject for the year or demonstrate minimum proficiency on the appropriate state-adopted assessment in math, English/language arts and one additional core subject.

(2) Earn a combined overall passing average for all scheduled courses for the year; and

(3) Demonstrate an appropriate level of reading comprehension as measured by Lexile score.

What is Your Lexile Goal?6th 7th

At Grade Level/Proficient 925 - 1070 970 - 1120

Above Grade Level1075 – and above

1125 – and above

8th

1010 - 1185

1190 – and above

Why is this Important?• You will experience control and confidence.• You will be able to comprehend text. • You will build vocabulary.• You will respond to text. • You will improve independent reading.

Panther Press, 2nd Quarter, 2018-2019 January, 2019

MATH

Students in Math 8 wrapped up Unit 2 ( Exponents, Scientific Notation, and Equations) with their Unit 2 Test. Students were allowed to make corrections for half credit. Unit 3 (Pythagorean Theorem and Volume of three-dimensional figures) kicked off with a Pythagore-an Theorem Performance Task Project. Students were given a choice board in which to choose how they would represent their knowledge of the concept. They were given a couple of days in class to work on the project in addition to time spent working at home. As we wrapped up Unit 3, the students completed a Volume Performance Task. Students took their Unit 3 post test and will be given the opportunity to make corrections. Please continue to ask your students to check Edmodo every day in addition to completing their CK-12 homework assignments. Re-member that students can complete IXL for the current topics to replace low grades on assign-ments. Also, tutoring is offered Monday-Thursday at 8 am and Mr. Mitchell offers additional help during lunch time. NEWS from ESOL & WORLD LANGUAGES

ESOL students continue to work on improving their linguistic skills in all four domains: lis-tening, reading, writing, and speaking. This quarter Mrs. Lyles’ eighth grade class completed the novel Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, and is currently reading The Gift of the Ma-gi, by O. Henry; the seventh grade has completed a variety of selections from the Milestones text; and the sixth grade has completed the novel, The Time Machine, by H. G. Wells, and is currently reading the novel, Any Small Goodness, by Tony Johnston. Our focus this quarter has been writing! The sixth graders have completed two essays: a com-parative essay based on the infor-mational text, “Home Life in An-cient Greece” and their own experi-ences of home life today, and an expository essay to describe how they created their “calaveras.”(photo attached) The 7th grade has been working on nar-rative essays, in addition to the use of transition words and making pre-dictions while reading. The eighth graders have completed a five para-graph essay in conjunction with the novel read in class.

Viva el mundo hispanico! The eighth grade high school credit Spanish class is currently studying topics related to pasa tiempos and hobbies. They are also reviewing the verb gustar and the expression no me gusta. Continuamos! The eighth grade high school credit French

class has recently completed a mini-unit on the weather, for which each student wrote a weath-er report (“La Meteo”).(photo attached) Students continue to present their research projects on French musicians, and are currently learning new vocabulary to express their opinions about academic life. Continuons!

Page 5 Panther Press, 2nd Quarter, 2018-2019

ART @ FLOYD NEWS Congratulations to four talented artists who are winners in the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest. They will be awarded cash prizes at a special dinner banquet in February. Thanks to all who promoted peace by submitting work in this annual contest. 1st Place: Joshua Tattershall 2nd Place: Rachel Odister 3rd Place: Nevaeh Nabors 4th Place : Lilee Ogle CCSD WaterSmart Water ART Cobb Finalists were honored on November 15th at the Art Station Gallery at Big Shanty. Top honors were competing for their work to be published in a professional Cobb County Water System Calendar. Please congratulate Floyd’s Five Top Winners. Their work deserves special recognition from over one hundered submissions. Three of these students had their amazing work published. Alexia Medina Tyaira Paris Stroman Makenzie Wilder Two additional honored students received Honorable Mention and their out-standing work will be featured on the Cobb County WaterSystem digital E-Gallery. Mikaylah Brooks Parris Lallis LANGUAGE ARTS Sixth grade E.L.A. students have been diligently improving their writing through a variety of methods, such as the utilization of sensory language to convey their experi-ences through their interdisciplinary P.B.L. projects. In addition, students are current-ly working on projects based on their independently chosen reading books which they will later present to their peers in various ways. Students also recently completed their 2nd Reading Inventory Assessment. They were tasked with completing a reflec-tion to practice making goals for their 3rd Reading Inventory Assessment. After the holiday, we will celebrate Lexile growth in each class. Upon returning from the holiday break, students will be reading, analyzing vo-cabulary and participating in various multidisciplinary activities to learn more about short stories using works from Langston Hughes. Students will be tasked to create mini projects in small groups as well as participating in student led discussions.

Panther Press, 2nd Quarter 2018-19

Floyd Middle invites all parents to be ac-tively engaged in the education of our stu-dents. We welcome your participation through support organizations such as PTSA, Floyd Foundation, School Council, as well as your frequent interaction with teachers and staff.

How can PTSA help YOU help YOUR child? Greetings to Floyd MS and a special welcome to our new parents and students. We’re off to a great start to support-ing Floyd’s initiatives and overall school curriculum by way of communications and engagement.. We look forward to working together, making a difference, one child at a time. Stay connected with us and find out how you can get involved.

Contact us: Our website www.floydmiddleptsa.com

Email us at floydptsa@gmail.com

Page 7

Students of the Month

October Joy Dikko

Camilla Harper Zaire Harris

Stephen Lopez Jadiah Middlebrooks

Anay Ramirez Macartney Ryan Diego Salazar

Jacqueline Vazquez

November Alexus Berry Cindy Castro

Brianna Daniel Ricardo Estrada

Emma Ethridge Jeremiah Middlebrooks Jeremiah ‘Alex’ Sams

Gael Samaniego Andy Sanchez Tyler Whitaker

Teacher of the Year

Mr. Joe Mitchell Mr. Mitchell has worked at Floyd for four years. He has a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bache-lor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications; Mr. Mitchell is certified in Special Education and teaches eighth grade students. His level of commitment and dedication are nota-ble attributes; he is also passionate, supportive, strategic, and a determined leader. Mr. Mitchell sponsors Manfor-mation and co-sponsors the new Floyd Basketball Club.

Classified Employee of the

Year

Ms. Wendelyn Raiford Ms. Raiford has worked at Floyd for four years. She uses

her degree in social work along with her professional knowledge and skills to be more than just an ISS Supervisor to students. She also provides counseling and instructional

services to students as well. Ms. Raiford also serves as the United Way Ambassador for Floyd.

School Council Parent Representatives

Barbara Carrington Stephanie Kirksey

Vacant Vacant

Teacher Representatives

Lynnyetta Baker Kenneth Colston Oneisha Young

Business Partner

Steve Taylor, McDonalds Principal

Teresa Hargrett

On behalf of Floyd Middle School PTSA, we would like to acknowledge and say thank you to all our Business Partners for their untiring support and magnanimous donations thus far this year. These amazing Educational Community Partners and donors include: Horace Mann – Oakdale Road Dough in the Box – Austell Road McDonalds – Floyd Road Golden Corral – Austell Road Nature Supply Center – Floyd Road Karina Restaurant – Austell Road Kroger – Floyd Road Talpa Supermarket – Pat Mell Road Publix – Floyd Road Food Depot - Floyd Road Chic-Fil-A – Austell Road Food Depot - East-West Connector Austell Wings and More – Austell Road Mexico Lindo Restaurant – Austell Road We also want to acknowledge all our parent volunteers for their continuous commitment and dedication in serving with their time and finances. We thank you. Kind regards, David. M. Dikko President, Floyd Middle School PTSA 2018-2019 Hello Floyd Parents, As we bring this semester to a close, I would just like to say, “Thank you,” for all of your sup-port. Our calendar was full, and many exciting things were scheduled. As we move into the New Year, and the start of a new semester I would like to appeal to all of you to increase your Parent Involvement for the start of our second semester. The benefits of parent involvement are endless. Data shows that successful parent involvement improves student behavior and at-tendance, and has a profound effect on students’ academic success. What is successful Parent Involvement? I’m glad you asked. To quote an article from Reading Rockets: “Successful parent involvement can be defined as the active, ongoing participation of a parent or primary caregiver in

the education of his or her child. Parents can demonstrate involvement at home-by reading with their children, helping with home-work, and discussing school events-or at school, by attending functions or volunteering in classrooms. Schools with involved parents engage those parents, communicate with them regularly, and incorporate them into the learning process”.

With that being said, will you please take some time to search your heart, and your schedule and see how you can become the key that unlocks the door to your child’s academic success? Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all,

Cynthea B. Lester

Parent Facilitator

Floyd Middle School

Panther Press, 2nd Quarter, 2018-2019

ANTI-BULLYING ESSAY WINNERS HONORED BY

COBB COMMISSIONER LISA CUPID

Counseling Corner

Career Day 2018

College and Career Day was held on Friday, December 7. The goal of Ca-

reer Day is to educate our students about the world of work and educa-

tional opportunities beyond high school. Our students were exposed to

various types of careers in the world, the qualities it takes to be consid-

ered a valuable employee, and the path one must take in order to achieve

certain positions and reach educational goals. Special thanks to the fol-

lowing parents and community volunteers for their participation: Mu-

hammed Dikko, Jeannine Wright-Oliver, Davis Jenkins, Kenneth Payne,

Dr. Donnie Gist, Chanae Dickerson, Littlie Brown, Kinesia Cato, Tandra

Smith, Henry Lust, Michael Brooks, and Officer Sarah O’hara.

Page 9

ANTI-BULLYING ESSAY WINNERS HONORED BY

COBB COMMISSIONER LISA CUPID

Kudos to All for a great job with 1st Semester PBLs!

6th

Grade:(Project) European Travel

7th

Grade: (Project) Expo Country Creation

8th

Grade: (Problem) How can we flush the toilet and get clean water in 12 hours?

Page 14

Panther Press, 2nd Quarter, 2018-2019 Page 15

From the Principal

Dear Floyd Family,

First nine weeks are behind us and we are moving quickly through this year. Consid-

ering the pace, please join us in ensuring your child is on track for promo-

tion. Academic success and total well-being are within reach for every Floyd

Middle School Student! As a parent/guardian, please engage in the following actions

to help students have the best year ever!!

Know your child's bus number and driver.

Know your child's homeroom teacher.

Know all of your child's teachers and subjects they teach. Check their

blogs for class information at http://www.cobbk12.org/Floyd/ and click on Faculty/Staff at the top

menu.

Ensure your child attends school daily.

Require your child to engage in a set study hour each day.

Require students complete all class work and homework including instrument and voice practice.

Discuss class topics with students. Require your child to use the language of the standards.

Monitor your child's grades on Synergy weekly.

Reduce or deny time on social media. Monitor your child's online activity and ensure when they are

using devices for learning that they are practicing positive digital citizenship. This means that they

are making good decisions to be respectful of self and others as well as practicing safety for self

and others.

Ensure your child engages in physical activity on a daily basis and eat nutritious meals.

Encourage students to eat breakfast and lunch at school daily.

Talk with your students about making good decisions to behave on the way to or from school and

while at school all day.

Reinforce our emphasis on being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe 24/7!

Dr. Teresa W. Hargrett Floyd Middle School Principal http://www.cobbk12.org/Floyd/ http://teresahargrettblog.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/TeresaHargrett Floyd’s Mission: Perform with Excellence Floyd’s Vision: A community engaged in real-life, innovative experiences preparing our students to be college and career-ready. Collective Commitments: Floyd Students, Staff, and Parents Promise to Be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe

Focus on Learning with Active Participation

Collaborate as a team to increase achievement.