Friday, March 3 - SWAG Parents Campus Clean Up and Coffee

Have coffee, clean up and chat at our parent clean up. Meet after school drop off and help clean our playgrounds with other parents. If it’s raining or muddy we will reschedule. If we work together it should be a quick 30-40 min cleaning. Be sure to check in at the office first. Can’t come to this one but want to help, clean up on 3-17 after school with parents and kids.

Additional campus clean up dates can be found on the MES website, here. Please contact Heather Lowe if you have additional questions.

Friday, March 3 - Last Day to Complete the BASC-3 BESS Parent Form

Atlanta Public Schools is committed to creating a culture of student support, and supporting the needs of the whole child. One way APS is addressing the whole child is by identifying student strengths and areas for growth relative to social, emotional, and behavioral well-being. In APS's and MES's continuing efforts to support the well-being of all students, the school is administering a universal screener of social, emotional & behavioral health at several points during the school year. 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). More information about the BASC-3 BESS can be found here.

We are currently in the process of administering the mid-year BASC-3 BESS. As part of this process, parents of students in grades PK-12th grade are invited to submit screener information for their students via this link. Please note that you will need your student’s student ID number to complete the BASC-3 BESS parent form. The deadline to complete this form for the current screening window is Friday, March 3rd.

Friday, March 3 - Deadline EXTENDED to Declare Your Candidacy for GO Teams **We still need 2 parents to declare their candidacy!

We are excited to announce that 2023 GO Team candidate declarations are now OPEN! Those interested in running for a Parent/Guardian or Non-supervisory Instructional Staff Member seat can declare their candidacy until March 3, 2023.

Parent/Guardian Qualifications

·         Must have a student in the school for at least the first year of the two-year term.

·         May NOT be an employee at the school.

Find out more HERE.

Monday, March 6 and Thursday, March 16 - Updates and Community Feedback on PTA-Led Projects for MES E Rock Springs Campus

Please join the MES PTA at an upcoming session (two options: in-person or virtually) to learn about some initiatives that the PTA is working on with MES leadership to enhance the East Rock Springs campus. There will be two sessions (one in person and one virtual) for you to participate:

• Monday, March 6th, 12pm (at MES at E Rock Springs Campus)
• Thursday, March 16th, 8am (via Zoom, link to follow)

Get involved and share your feedback as we rally for the exciting return of our MES dolphins to our home! 

Tuesday, March 7 - Monthly MES GO Team Meeting

Be sure to tune into the next monthly MES GO Team Meeting on Tuesday, March 7th at 5pm. This meeting will be livestreamed on the MES YouTube channel, which can be found HERE.

Please contact Mr. Bookspun with any questions. For more information about the MES Go Team, please click HERE.

Friday, March 10 - Lost and Found Donation Day

Are you missing a water bottle or coat? Please be sure to look for it before the next donation day on Friday, March 10th! Lost and Found has been moved to the main hall for more visibility, so please try to obtain lost items today!

The following are dates of upcoming donation dates:

Friday, March 10th

Friday, April 21st

Thursday, May 25th

Please see opportunities to volunteer to help with Lost and Found HERE.

Saturday, March 11 - Spring Parent Social-Casino Night and Raffle benefitting Morningside Elementary PTA

You’re probably tired of our reminders but the big day is around the corner!   Don’t wait – click here to buy your tickets today!

Some things to keep in mind regarding tickets:

• If buying individual tickets, please consider purchasing ‘play money’ at the same time to avoid cashier lines at the event. You can purchase ‘play money’ at the MES Store.    
• Make sure you check out the various ticket options as some include play money, raffle tickets and VIP benefits – Krazy Craps and above are invited to a pre-party VIP reception (6:00-7:00pm) and will have a chance to win a special raffle prize (four course catered dinner for 10)!
• Ticket prices will increase on March 8th due to additional expenses.
• Sponsorships purchased after March 6th will not be recognized on event program and signage due to printer deadlines
• Your tickets (plus play money and raffle tickets if applicable) will be available at check-in at the event.

Now on to the fun stuff…

We’ve told you that is a great night of casino games, delicious food, open bar, and dancing but have you heard about the awesome silent auction items and raffle prizes??

Well, here are a couple teasers:

• Food Truck party for 50 people on your back yard by Ibiza Catering
• Fabulous 3-night trip to Smoky Mountain National Park in Gorgeous Sylva, North Carolina.
• Tickets to Atlanta United, Braves and Hawks games!
• Massages, facials, exercise classes, and more!
• Many, many others!

We won’t spoil all the surprises! You will be able to use your play money to get raffle tickets, you can buy raffle tickets or if you really want to guarantee your prize, you can bid on the silent auction items with real money!  

Don’t forget…

Saturday, March 11th, 2023

• 6:00-7:00pm VIP Reception
• 7:00-8:00pm General Admission/Casino Night

The Carlyle - 1919 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

Cocktail Attire

Full detail or Buy your tickets by clicking here!!

And of course, thank you to our event sponsor, Ibiza Event Catering, and our corporate sponsors Moosh, Stephen Carlsen of Fry|Goering, and Woodlawn Garden Design and Installation.

Questions – email Fabricio Moraes

Monday, March 13 - Parent University: MES Media Center 101

We're excited to host our next MES Parent University event that will give our parent community an opportunity to hear from our fantastic (and district-renowned!) school library media specialist, Michael Rawls, about our MES Media Center and raising our students to be readers! 

This Parent U session will be in the MES@Inman Media Center at 11:30am as a "Lunch and Learn" format, so please bring your lunch if you wish!

For questions, please contact Dawn Rutherford.

Monday, March 13 through Wednesday, March 15 - MES Waves - Create Your Own Path Live Auditions

The WAVES Arts Showcase will be taking place on April 23, 2023 and will feature a variety of live acts. Live acts and videos must be five minutes or less and can include but are not limited to: singing, dancing, instrumental, cultural performances, gymnastics, karate, stand up comedy, magic acts, and TikTok-like submissions. Your creativity is the only limitation!

Please note that in order to perform live on the show, you must audition first during one of the following time slots:

• In-person auditions will take place on March 13th-14th from 3:00-6:00pm
• Zoom Auditions, by request, will be held on March 15th from 3:00-6:00pm

To sign up to audition in person, please complete the online permission form and sign up for a time slot as soon as possible.

Information about how to submit recorded performance entries, as well as written work and other art work can be found on the WAVES webpage.

Are you an adult that would like to help? We are looking for (adult) volunteer JUDGES for our live auditions! This is a super fun, easy way to get involved with WAVES & see all the amazing, unique talents our MES students have. No experience necessary. If you are interested, please email [email protected].

Monday, March 13 through Wednesday, March 15 - Rising Kindergarten Round Up

Mark your calendars - Kindergarten registration for the 2023-24 school year will open on Monday, March 13th, and the annual APS Kindergarten Round-Up at MES will take place in person from Monday, March 13th through Wednesday, March 15th!

APS Kindergarten Round-Up is an opportunity for parents to register their child (or children) for kindergarten in person at their future elementary schools and take the first step towards a smoother transition to kindergarten for both the children and their families. If you would like to register your children in person during this event, please join us at MES@Inman on March 13th through 15th from 8am to 1pm. Information about the required documentation needed for registration can be found here as well as on the flyer below.

If you are unable to register your children in person during APS Kindergarten Round Up, you can always register your children for Kindergarten online any time after March 13th using this link.

Any questions regarding Kindergarten registration can be directed to our school secretary, Maise Parham, at [email protected] or at (404) 802-8950. Additional information can also be found on the MES website, here.

Are you (or other parents you may know) looking to connect with other Rising K parents ahead of the next school you? If so, please consider joining the private MES Rising K 2023/2024 Facebook Group where we will be posting details about events focused on Rising K, sharing information specifically for our new families, and much more over the coming months.

Class Assignments 2023-24 School Year - Parent Input Form

This spring, we will be creating our class groupings for the next school year. The process for placement into a class for the next school year takes many hours. We value and seek your parent input into this process with an optional form. Whether you complete the form or do not complete the form, you can place your trust in your child's teacher(s) to make careful choices. 

There may be additional guidance on class placement from other staff your child may work with, including input from our counselor, special education teachers, English Second Language teachers, as well as the administrative team. If you wish to give additional information regarding your child, please complete the following input form by spring break, Friday, March 31st.

Your child’s school experience and success throughout each year is very important to us. Parent input is always an option as we make the best choices possible for your child for next year!

Click HERE to provide feedback.

State of Georgia Student Health & Parent Survey

Please take a few minutes to complete the Georgia Parent Survey. It will remain open through Friday, March 17, 2023. This survey makes up a part of our school climate STAR rating and is confidential. 

The results arrive from the state of Georgia in either summer or fall of the next school year and are used to celebrate successes, as well as make improvements to the school experience for students, families, and staff. Students in grades 3 – 5 do a Student Health Survey, with a link to the survey questions below including the opt-out process. Our Morningside staff will complete a survey as well. Please complete the parent portion of the survey! 

More information can be found on our Morningside website, with links to the direct state information.  

Parent/Guardian Survey: CLICK HERE  

Georgia 3^rd – 5^th Student Health Survey: CLICK HERE

Georgia 3^rd – 5^th Student Health Survey Opt-Out Forms (Print, fill out and return or pick up form in front office): CLICK HERE

Call for Nominations for the PTA Executive Board for the 2023-24 School Year!

The MES PTA Nominating Committee is currently seeking nominees for the PTA Executive team for the 2023-2024 school year. We need your help in identifying qualified individuals for the positions to be filled. All MES parents are encouraged to take an active role in this process by notifying the committee of potential candidates; self-nominations are welcomed.This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on your school.

If you or someone you know would be a good fit, please email a letter of interest or nomination to [email protected].

Donate Prizes to the MES Go B.L.U.E. Weekly Raffle!

Donate prizes to the MES Go B.L.U.E. weekly raffle! Select an item (or items) from our wish-list, and have the item(s) sent to the school address: Behavior Committee 774 VIRGINIA AVE NE. ATLANTA, GA 30306-3631. US.

Every Friday, we hold a raffle to celebrate two of our amazing students for upholding the school code of conduct. Your donations help motivate our learners to Go B.L.U.E! (Be respectful, Listen and Learn, Use self-control, and Embrace diversity). Our wish-list is HERE if you'd like to contribute.

Principal's Blog

Be sure to catch up on everything MES straight from Principal Sofianos by bookmarking her Principal's Blog and checking back often!

CLICK HERE for the latest blog.

APS Board of Education Monthly Meeting - Monday, March 6

The next monthly APS Board of Education meeting will take place on Monday, March 6th from 2:30-8:00pm. All meetings are held at the Atlanta Public Schools Center for Learning and Leadership Auditorium and are typically livestreamed via the APS Board of Education Facebook Page. Interested parties are welcome to provide comments during the Community Meeting portion (which begins at 6:00pm) by signing up in person from 5:00-5:50pm.

Midtown Cluster Annual School Capacity Community Meeting - Thursday, March 9

APS is currently conducting a series of community engagement meetings a part of the NEW annual process to review school capacity, with a focus on overcrowded schools. As part of this process, APS will be holding two community meetings to discuss the Midtown Cluster, and especially Midtown High School on Thursday, March 9th:

• Virtual meeting (12:00pm ET) - Register HERE
• In Person meeting (6:00pm ET) - Please join us in the Inman Building Auditorium

If you'd like to learn more about this process, including viewing past meeting materials and sharing feedback via Let's Talk, please visit the APS Annual Review Process (Spring 2023) webpage. You can view an informational flyer about all of the engagement events that are part of this process here.

Please note that discussions during these meetings may inform decisions that will affect our Midtown Cluster. The APS Board of Education will be reviewing any proposals that stem from these meetings during their spring board meetings. You can find the full APS BOE meeting schedule here.

Howard Middle School Spring Wine and Dine - Saturday, March 25

The David T. Howard Middle School would like to extend an invitation to our current 5th grade parents (aka the "Rising Rams" families) to join them for their Spring Wine and Dine fundraiser on Saturday, March 25th. Details are on the flyer below and ticket information (including a link to purchase) can be found here.

Academic Recovery - Summer 2023

Registration is now open through Friday, March 31st for Summer Learning through Academic Recovery Academy. Register HERE if you'd like your students to participate.

For more information, please contact Sedric Smith, Director of Afterschool and Summer Programs at [email protected] or 404-802-2742.

Stay Up to Date with the APS Midtown Cluster

Click HERE for resources directly related to our cluster.

Stay Up to Date with the 2022-2023 APS Calendar 

Click HERE to view the district calendar and start planning for all the breaks.

Click HERE to view the Atlanta BOE 2023 Calendar.

Transportation Town Hall Meeting - March 8th

Please join Mr. John Franklin, Executive Director of Transportation for Atlanta Public Schools, as he answers your questions about bus routes, bus stops, walk zones, and more. The meeting wiil begin promptly at 6pm on Zoom on Wednesday, March 8th. More information about this meeting will be shared on the VHE website, here.

Pre-K at VaHi Elementary

It was recently announced that VaHi Elementary will have an onsite Pre-K program starting in the Fall of 2023! The Pre-K lottery application window is open now through March 12 at 11:59pm, with the lottery drawing to be held on March 27. Additional details about the program, including the program requirements can be found here.

Stay Up To Date with the VaHi Elementary PTO

The newly formed PTO for VaHi Elementary School is off is running! To keep up with everything they are rolling out (including details about how to best support the library at the new school), please check out the following communications channels:

• Sign up for the VHE Newsletter HERE
• Follow the VHE PTO on Instagram and Twitter
• Check out the VHES Facebook Page

VaHi Elementary Website Updates

For our future VaHi Elementary families - if you looking for information about the new school, please be sure to check out the growing website for the school, as new information is being added on a regular basis! Be sure to use the drop down menus at the top of the page to navigate to the various areas of the page, including a new About Page, information on school policies and procedures for the new school (under the New Students tab), a section dedicated to academics (under the Academics tab), and pages for the school's GO Team and the PTO.

Thank you to our Diamond Dolphin, Dolphin, and Platinum-level sponsors for supporting our school!

For more information about Dolphin Donors, please click HERE.