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Unless otherwise noted, details for all of these events can be found in the MES Upcoming Events section below.
Friday, September 9
- Parents Coffee and Clean Up
Monday, September 13
- Dolphins Do Good Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 15
- Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
Friday, September 16
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Principal's Coffee Talk - See Principal's Blog section for more info
- No Place For Hate Mural "Hands Across A Community" Dedication
- Last Day for parents of grades 3-5 to opt out of students completing BESS self-rating scale
Monday, September 19
- 2022 MES@Inman In Person Book Fair (through Friday, September 23)
- BASC - BESS Window (Closes October 7)
Saturday, September 24
- Third Grade Popsicle Social
Wednesday, September 28
- Parent University - Orientation 2.0 - Save the Date
Saturday, October 1
Sunday, October 2
Open Now: the MES Foundation Annual Appeal! See all the details in the MES News and Reminders Section below!
Please note: All information pertaining to the new elementary school can be found below in the New Midtown Cluster Elementary School Section.
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COVID-19 Data Update
SURVEILLANCE TESTING:
Due to the Labor Day holiday, no student surveillance testing occurred this week. On Wednesday, 9/7/22, 0 students and 59 staff members were tested through surveillance testing with 0 testing positive.
SELF REPORTS:
Additionally, between 9/1/22 and 9/8/22, we received 1 self-reported COVID case through the self-report form.
If your child receives a positive test result, please fill out a self report form HERE.
SURVEILLANCE TESTING OPT IN CONSENT FORMS:
Student Consent Form ENGLISH SPANISH
OPT OUT OF SURVEILLANCE TESTING:
To opt out of surveillance testing, please send an email with your name, your student's name, and your student's date of birth to Viral Solutions - [email protected]. Please copy Nurse Petty on this email as well - [email protected].
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Campus Clean Up Opportunities in September
There are several opportunities coming up this month to help with our ongoing campus beautification efforts!
- Friday, September 9th at 8am - Parents Coffee and Clean Up
- Friday, September 30th at 2:45pm - All Welcome Clean Up Day
For all clean up events, please meet at the walker pad. For events occurring during school hours, please check in at the office first. Gloves and bags will be provided. By working together, these events go quickly - we're usually done within an hour. If we work together, it will be a quick clean up and we will be finished by 8:45.
In addition to our Campus Clean Up Days, we are also launching our first annual MES @ Inman Trash Campaign to encourage our school community to remember to pick up trash and help us maintain our beautiful campus. To participate, simply come up with a slogan and/or picture to help kids remember to pick up trash on the playground and submit a sign with your slogan to the office. The collected signs will be laminated and hung up around the playground. Posters will be unveiled for our planned Campus Clean Day on Friday, September 30th, during which time we'll acknowledge all of the participants who submitted posters with a popsicle party
Signs can range in size from a sheet of paper to standard poster board - just enough to remind and inspire our kids to keep the playground looking its best. Please place all signs and slogans in the box in the main office by Friday, September 16th to allow time for lamination and hanging before the September 30th unveiling.
More details about our Campus Beautification efforts can be found on the MES website. Please send any questions to our Campus Beautification chair, Heather Low
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Tuesday, September 13 – Dolphins Do Good Committee Meeting
Are you looking for opportunities for your child to get involved in community service? Join the Dolphins Do Good committee!
We are having our first committee meeting September 13th (right after drop-off) from 7:45--8:15 AM, at the picnic tables next to the school on Virginia Avenue. If you are interested in the committee, but can't make the meeting, please contact Stephanie Hanley or Lorraine Hatch (emails linked below) and we will forward all of the important information over to you.
Any Questions, Contact Stephanie Hanley or Lorraine Hatch
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Friday, September 16 – No Place For Hate Mural "Hands Across A Community" Dedication
At the end of last year every student at MES participated in a special Midtown Cluster-wide mural project designed by a nationally-recognized artist. The mural is finished and the MES community will dedicate it during special events happening on Thursday, September 15 and Friday, September 16.
On Thursday, September 15, fifth graders will get the first look at the mural and take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony during their lunch period. As part of this special event, there will be a special dedication by the artist, Yehimi Cambron, as well as a meal/treat to celebrate Yehimi's Mexican heritage.
On Friday, September 16, parents and caregivers can come see the mural during the Principal’s Coffee at 8 am - and all MES students will have the opportunity to take part in the mural celebration as they come through the cafeteria during their lunch period.
The finished mural will be installed in all five buildings that will house elementary school students - and includes contributions from every student who was in Pre-K - fifth grade across the Midtown Cluster in the ‘21-’22 academic year. The exciting project, part of the APS No Place for Hate® program, reminds us that we are unique as individuals, but together we are all part of a larger, vibrant APS Midtown Cluster community. APS has implemented the No Place for Hate® initiative district-wide since 2015. Each year, all APS schools participate in programs around the goal of creating a welcoming community committed to stopping all forms of bias and bullying.
Learn more about this incredible Midtown Cluster-wide collaborative project - and if you’d like to see the mural in progress, check out the artist’s Instagram stories!
Would you like to lend a hand to help make this big reveal special? Please sign up during your child's lunch period and Robin Deutsch Edwards will be in touch with more information about how you can help. Sign Up Here!
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Monday, September 19 - Friday, September 23 –
Book Fair Donations and Volunteers
The 2022 MES@Inman In Person Book Fair will be September 19 - 23, 2022. It will be located in the Library at MES@Inman.
Teacher Classroom Libraries: Visit the Teacher Book Bins at the fair! These bins will be full of book titles selected by each teacher that will enhance their classroom library. Consider purchasing a book from a bin and donating it to a classroom.
Volunteer For The Book Fair: We need your help to run the fair! We are looking for volunteers to help students find books and check-out. On September 8, go to Membership Toolkit to access the SignUp Genius to volunteer.
View the browse / buy schedule on the Book Fair webpage if you’d like to volunteer during your students browse/buy shift. Just remember, when volunteering you are helping the whole class along with other volunteers.
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Monday, September 19 – Friday, October 7 - BASC Bess Window
Atlanta Public Schools is committed to creating a culture of student support, and supporting the needs of the whole child. One way we are addressing the whole child is by identifying student strengths and areas for growth relative to social, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
In our continuing efforts to support the well-being of all students, we will administer a universal screener of social, emotional & behavioral health. The universal screener that was chosen by the District to help identify student strengths and areas for growth is the BASC-3 Behavior and Emotional Screening Scale (BASC-3 BESS).
For more information about the BESS Screener, please click HERE
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Wednesday, September 28 - Parent University - Orientation 2.0
Save the Date! Our first Parent University of the year will focus on answering your questions about all things MES. This event will be held in person at the MES @ Inman Auditorium. Additional details to follow soon!
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Grade Level Playdates * Different Dates
Saturday, September 24 - 3rd Grade Popsicle Social
Location: Noble Park: 1710 Noble Dr NE, Atlanta Georgia
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
3rd Grade Parents: Please mark your calendars for the Fall 3rd grade social! We will provide popsicles and water, and siblings are more than welcome to join. We hope to see you then!
Any Questions? Contact Kate Floyd
Saturday, October 1 - Fall 4th Grade Social
Location: McClatchey Park: Avery Dr. and Westminister NE, Atlanta Georgia
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Mark your calendars or the first 4th grade social on October 1st, from 10am-noon at McClatchey Park. We will provide popsicles and water, and siblings are more than welcome to join. Hope to see you all there!
Any Questions? Contact Julie Tracy
Sunday, October 2 - Kindergarten Playdate
Location: McClatchey Park: Avery Dr. and Westminister NE, Atlanta Georgia
Time: 2:00pm
Join us for a Kindergarten Playdate! Popsicles will be provided.
Any Questions? Contact Halley Blythe
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Morningside Foundation Needs Your Support!
Will you support the Morningside Elementary School Foundation with a donation to foster teaching excellence and enhance student achievement through strategic investments in curriculum, teacher training, and technology programs?
Simply put, the generosity of our donors allows the Foundation to quickly and nimbly fulfill needs at the school that would not be met otherwise - helping us retain teachers, create dynamic experiences for all students, and keep Morningside as one of the top elementary schools in Georgia. Learn more about Foundation's pillars of funding on our website, and consider a donation today. Look for more information in take home folders soon, as our annual appeal picks up steam!
Click here to Donate
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Safety Alert: Student Drop-Off / Student Pick-Up on Clemont Drive NE
We know that we are in a temporary space with an increased number of buses and cars, which can cause a bit of traffic in our area.
Please do not use Clemont Drive NE as a student drop-off or pick-up area. Clemont Drive NE is a very narrow street and is used for buses. This street also has many cars parked on it for residents and even some staff. We unfortunately had an accident, with no injuries, that involved our families and a city truck. One car was heavily damaged and it was only by good fortune that multiple cars were not damaged and students or adults were not hurt. It is illegal to drop your child off in the middle of the street or do a U-turn on the street.
Please also do not use the staff parking area on Clemont as a drop-off zone. We will be asking our bus drivers to utilize their bus stop signage systems, which includes built in cameras, while buses are loading and unloading students. Clemont Drive NE is not the place to be for student drop-off or pick-up, and it will not be a good shortcut going forward. If you are using carpool, please adjust your schedules so that you can join the car line on Virginia Avenue or park in the area at the front of the school or around the corner from the Virginia Highlands Church and walk your child to the school.
If you do not know Danny, he is the best crossing guard in APS, and is at the corner of Virginia and Park Avenue. He will become a highlight of your day if you “walk” to our school! We thank you so much for following this for the safety of all!
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5th Grade Friday Dismissal
There is a new dismissal route for 5th grade students who walk to the North Highland/Virginia Ave shops area. Parents who meet students to collect belongings at MES before students head out should now meet students at the top of the stairs in the back parking lot on Clemont Drive.
Please continue to park in the front of the building, but head up the stairs on the side of the school. Students will now be led by staff down Clemont Drive, will cross the street at the corner of Greencove and Clemont, and make a left onto Virginia Avenue on the left side of the street. This route was tested last Friday and was a much safer route for our kids!
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Student Lunch Accounts
Be sure to keep your lunch account up to date with funds! You can go to myschoolbucks.com or download the mobile app. There you will create your free account and add your students using their school name/student ID. You will check out using your credit/debit card or electronic check. A program fee may apply. If you have any questions about Free and Reduced Lunch Applications, please contact Nurse Petty at 404-802-8950. Thank you!
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Remembering Amy Snowden-Mather
As Principal Sofianos shared a few weeks back, beloved 33-year veteran Morningside teacher Amy Mather passed away on August 10, 2022. A community memorial honoring Amy will be held at Midtown High School on Sunday, September 18th at 3:00 PM.
A full obituary may be viewed here.
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New MES Family Engagement Team!
Looking for parents to volunteer in our MES Family Engagement Leadership Team. This is a new team for our school, made up of 1-2 teacher reps, 2-3 parent reps, plus other staff and led by Parent Liaison Paula Chiodi.
The purpose of this team is to increase parent & guardian engagement for ALL students. Meetings will be held during the school day. We also want reps from this team to attend some of the parent engagement events through the district after school as well.
Please let Paula Chiodi know if you are interested.
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Yearbook Update
HAVE YOU ORDERED YOUR YEARBOOK YET?
If not, you can order your yearbook HERE. Prices go up again on Oct 29.
COVER DESIGN CONTEST RESULTS
The votes are in, and the winner of our yearbook cover design contest is Arjun Vaitla! We had a total of 30 submissions this year, and we were blown away by all the amazing artwork. Thank you to everyone who participated! All submitted art will be featured in the yearbook in one way or another.
FIFTH GRADE ADS
5th grade parents, commemorate your child's last year at MES with a special recognition advertisement in the back of the yearbook. Purchase and create your ad directly through Jostens (1/4 page ads are $60 and 1/2 page ads are $110). Don't delay though - the deadline for ads is November 7!
FIFTH GRADE BABY PICTURES
While you are looking for pictures for your ad, pick out your favorite baby picture of your child and send it to us! 5th graders traditionally have their baby pictures displayed on the spread across from their portrait shots. This is separate from the recognition ad, so please send ONE baby picture to [email protected] and include your child's name!
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Backpack Buddies
Thanks to our friends at Congregation Shearith Israel, this new program is available for any students/families that would like food assistance. Special backpacks would be provided so students could receive various non-perishable items each weekend.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact school social worker, Scott LaSalle at 404-802-8981. You can also email.
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Parent Referral for GATE Testing
The window to request a parent referral for Gifted Eligibility Testing this school year is open from September 1 through September 30.
Please visit these links for:
1) Parent Referral Informational Video
2) Frequently Asked Questions with Answers (in English)
3) Frequently Asked Questions with Answers (en Espanol)
3) Online “Request for Parent Referral” Form
If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Duncan at [email protected]
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Lost and Found Sign-Up!
Has something gone missing that you're pretty sure your child brought to school? Please be sure to check the Lost and Found, which is located inside the gym!
Keeping the Lost and Found organized takes a village, and we'd love your help! If you'd like to help, please sign up to sort items via this signup genius. It only takes a few minutes!
If you have questions about Lost and Found, please email Tiffany Torbert
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Join the Reading Bowl Team
We are looking for fourth and fifth grade students who are interested in joining the MES reading bowl team. To compete for 1 of 10 spots on the team, you must express interest by September 16, 2022.
Students can pop by the library to get a printed list of required reading or you can see the covers of the books in the image seen here.
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From the Principal's Desk!
One of the best ways to hear about everything going on at the school and to ask questions of the administration is by attending Principal Coffee Talks!
In a recent blog post, Principal Sofianos announced the schedule for this year's coffee talks, all of which will be hosted in person at MES @ Inman. There will be two coffee talks this fall, right after carpool drop off in the morning. The dates and times for these coffee talks are:
- Friday, September 16th at 8am
- Friday, October 21st at 8am
To see the full schedule for the year and to read about recent events at the school, please click HERE to view Principal Sofianos' blog posts!
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APS and Midtown Cluster Happenings | |
Stay Up to Date with the APS Midtown Cluster
Click HERE for resources directly related to our cluster.
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Stay Up to Date with the 2022-2023 APS Calendar
Click HERE to view and start planning for all the breaks
Click HERE to view the Atlanta BOE 2022 Meeting Schedule
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New Midtown Cluster Elementary School Happenings | |
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Please continue to check this section of the Digital Dolphin for updates or calls for action for families intended for the new Midtown Cluster Elementary School!
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Sunday, September 11 - New Midtown Cluster Elementary Family Meet and Greet
Location: John Howell Park
Time: 2:00PM
Let's get together to meet the future families of Inman Elementary!
The main goal is to socialize, build community, and let the children mingle. Name tags will be provided.
If you are zoned for the new K-5 Elementary School at the Inman Campus, please also consider joining Future Inman Elementary Families Facebook page. (Similar to MES Dolphin Community)
Any Questions, Contact Melissa Gamble
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Wednesday, September 21 - New Midtown Cluster Elementary School Kick-Off Meeting
MES Families that will be zoned for the new Elementary are invited to the kick-off planning meeting for the new Midtown Cluster Elementary School on Wednesday, September 21 at 6 p.m. at the Inman Building!
Please click here to learn about the two streams of work that will support this effort: the Community Launch Team and the APS Project Support Team. This temporary website for the school will also have updates and information as it becomes available.
You can also view the new attendance zones that will go into effect for the 2023-24 school year here.
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Thank you to our 2022-23 Dolphin Donors!
The work of the MES PTA is made possible in part by the generous contributions of our Dolphin Donors. Through their donations, we are able to provide programming and support to our school community, including annual favorites like Monster Bash, Family Science Night, the MES Talent Showcase, and more!
To thank our Dolphin Donors directly, simply look for the window cling below.
For more information about Dolphin Donors, Please Click HERE
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The Digital Dolphin is a weekly newsletter managed by the Morningside Elementary PTA - Contact Editor
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