Educators at New Hope Elementary School hope to see fewer tears in this fall’s kindergarten class.
At the first of monthly orientations that began in January, prospective students were still clinging to their parents’ legs. Now, says principal Brinda Clayton, more members of the class of 2022 take off with school staff and teachers with a nonchalant “See ya, mom!”
“This is kind of like an induction to our school,” media specialist Kristi Crumpton said following one of the school’s orientation sessions. “We want kids to feel comfortable coming in.”
This is the first year the school has opened its orientation to area preschool, day care and Head Start programs instead of only to siblings of students who were zoned to attend New Hope. About 25 parents and children attended the March orientation. Each monthly event is designed to introduce newcomers to a different aspect of the school.
Rising kindergartners get to meet the office staff, principal, and teachers outside of their regular classes. Students often do OK in their regular classes but become upset when they’re taken outside of their usual setting to specialized classes like music and computers, several teachers said.
“They latch on to us,” said kindergarten teacher Denise Langford, “and then it’s like we’re leaving them ... We usually have about three or four criers per room at the beginning.”
Parent Brittany Sewell said she suggested having a “practice lunch” in the cafeteria for one of the orientation sessions so that parents and their children will know what to expect. Children are required to choose their own food, remember to get a fork and napkin, and must be able to tell the cashier their four-digit identification number for payment — and some say that can be quite a task for the average kindergartner.
“Where else do you have to go and tell the lady some number when you’re 4?” said Crumpton.
Other Whitfield schools offer a one-day kindergarten orientation before school starts. Orientation information is provided by individual schools.
In Murray County, elementary curriculum director Barbie Kendrick said the process varies by school. For example, at Coker Elementary School, some teachers invite parents and their upcoming kindergartners to visit once a week for a few hours during the summer.
“It really cuts down a lot on anxiety that first day,” she said.
Schools that don’t have mini sessions at least have a one-day orientation program before school starts. Parents receive letters from their individual schools explaining the process.
Five of the six elementary schools in the Dalton Public Schools district will hold kindergarten orientations this month, and families will receive mailed invitations to the events.
“Activities often include riding a school bus, going through cafeteria line to get a snack, visiting classrooms, etc.,” said spokeswoman Deana Farmer.
If students have not enrolled for 2009-2010 kindergarten yet, families may call the Dalton Public Schools’ enrollment center for an appointment at (706) 876-4065.
Education
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Class of 2022 readies for kindergarten
- Education
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Mr. Science visits Eton
Blake Mendez participates in a science activity with “Mr. Science” at Eton Elementary School recently. “Mr. Science” performed magic tricks for students and then explained how science makes them possible.
Blake Mendez participates in a science activity with “Mr. Science” at Eton Elementary School recently. “Mr. Science” performed magic tricks for students and then explained how science makes them possible.
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Class acts: school news
News and notes about students from the Dalton area.
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North Murray freshmen get a dose of 'Reality'
North Murray High School’s ninth-grade students got a little dose of reality on Nov. 14, when they spent their morning shopping at the Reality Store.
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Mountain Creek Academy staff sponsor families for Christmas
Mountain Creek Academy faculty and staff sponsor families in the community for Christmas. Pitching in are, from left, Joan Davis, Robbie Weaver, Jennifer Lents, Wade Jones and Shawn Pritchett
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Bagley Middle teacher of the month for December
Science teacher Matthew Odell is the Teacher of the Month for December at Bagley Middle School. He is a member of the white team and teaches seventh and eighth grade science. School officials say he does a great job of teaching the standards and incorporating numerous hands-on activities with his students. In addition to teaching science, he coaches Bagley’s seventh grade girls basketball team.
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Valley Point hosts Reading with Santa Night
More than 600 students, staff, family and community members attended Reading with Santa Night at Valley Point Elementary.
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Coker recognizes November staff of the month
Each month, Coker Elementary School recognizes employees who demonstrate good attendance, team effort and overall professionalism. The Teacher of the Month for the month of November is media specialist Jill Hensley. Carmon Hipp, physical education paraprofessional, is the staff member of the month. From left are Assistant Principal Kay Holcomb, Hensley, Hipp and Principal Donna Standridge.
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Murray students target drunk driving
Members of Murray County High School’s SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) Club came together to do their second seatbelt check of the 2011-2012 school year. Caitlyn Sims, left, and Nisei Dill, right, stand with Principal Gina Linder. Students who were buckled up leaving the school parking lot received a candy cane, SADD pencil, a SADD pen or a Teens Drive Smart pen along with a safety message. The safety messages said things like, “Don’t txt and drive!” “Drive the speed limit!” and ”Be safe! Buckle up!”
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Coker rewards Week 13 cubs
As part of Coker Elementary School’s PBIS, or Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support system, students who follow school expectations are recognized each week for their great behavior. One student from each class that models positive behavior is chosen by his or her teacher to be recognized as one of the Coker Cubs of the Week. Students’ pictures and names are posted outside their classroom door throughout the week in recognition.
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Coker rewards Week 12 cubs
As part of Coker Elementary School’s PBIS, or Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support system, students who follow school expectations are recognized each week for their great behavior. One student from each class that models positive behavior is chosen by his or her teacher to be recognized as one of the Coker Cubs of the Week. Students’ pictures and names are posted outside their classroom door throughout the week in recognition.
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Coker rewards Week 11 cubs
As part of Coker Elementary School’s PBIS, or Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support system, students who follow school expectations are recognized each week for their great behavior. One student from each class who models positive behavior is chosen by his or her teacher to be recognized as one of the Coker Cubs of the Week. Students’ pictures and names are posted outside their classroom door throughout the week in recognition.
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Coker rewards Week 10 cubs
As part of Coker Elementary School’s PBIS. or Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support system, students who follow school expectations are recognized each week for their great behavior. One student from each class who models positive behavior is chosen by his or her teacher to be recognized as one of the Coker Cubs of the Week. Students’ pictures and names are posted outside their classroom door throughout the week in recognition.
Continued ... - Jan 5, 2012
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North Murray’s seniors apply to college during Georgia Apply to College event
North Murray High School’s seniors received hands-on assistance applying to college during the school’s Georgia Apply to College event.
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Eton, Woodlawn students sing in statewide chorus
Eton Elementary School and Woodlawn Elementary School chorus students attended the Georgia Music Educators Association State-wide Elementary Honor Chorus in Jonesboro.
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NWHS applies to college
Northwest Whitfield High School was chosen to participate in the Georgia Apply to College event this November.
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