This communication is to help answer some questions regarding student’s continued education and grading for the remainder of the school year; specifically, for middle school Quarter 4.

“Can I accept my child’s Quarter 3 grade from March 13, 2020?”
OR
“Does this mean my child no longer has to do work?”
OR
“Does this mean that students can work only on classes that they feel are deficient?”

Here is the answer:
In accordance with the grading guidance provided by the State of Georgia and CCSD…

East Cobb Middle School Students’ Quarter 4 final grade will reflect at a minimum the posted Quarter 3 Report Card grade from March 13, 2020 and will not go any lower. It is strongly encouraged that students take this opportunity to continue to enrich their learning; grades can only increase from here. Even if you are satisfied with your student’s grade, please know that not continuing to engage in the curriculum can hinder their proficiency and mastery of standards. We want to keep our students’ brains in motion with active learning. Therefore; working, submitting assignments and gaining feedback will only enhance this process and will not negatively impact your child’s grade. We want to assure you, as directed by the State and CCSD, students’ grades will not be penalized or negatively impacted during this time of digital learning. Our teachers are going to continue to provide instruction with the notion that learning is more than just receiving grades. We are encouraging our parents to ensure students stay engaged in their learning as this will help to lessen the learning regression that summer may bring. Parents, you may refer to ParentVue or StudentVue to reference your child’s Q3 Report Card. Please contact your child’s teacher and/or grade level administrator with further questions.

Also, just outside of the ECMS front doors under the brick covering are physical copies of learning packets labeled by grade level. Learning packets are updated weekly. The work is a supplement for students and is not meant to be turned in for a grade. It is about learning, growing and keeping the mind stimulated!

While we cannot be physically present, we appreciate your digital partnership. Let’s continue to be flexible and cooperative to the best of our abilities. “Flex don’t Fret” is our new motto at ECMS during these unprecedented times. We are in this together.

Announcement 8th Grade:
You will be able to view your course requests in StudentVue Monday, March 30,2020 through Thursday, April 2, 2020.  You can submit changes through an online form. The deadline to submit changes will be Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 11:59pm. There is a video with directions and information about what your course requests should look like on the course registration page on the Wheeler High School website.

On March 26, 2020 Governor Kemp ordered all public schools in the state of Georgia to remain closed through at least Friday, April 24th. Therefore, Cobb Schools remain closed indefinitely and we will continue our remote digital learning. Click on the link for more information. https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2020-03-26/kemp-closes-k-12-public-schools-through-april-24

Parents as we strive to engage students (with positivity 😊) in digital learning, we encourage you to have your child/children email their teachers to check-in with inquires or questions, and especially if they have not been participating online thus far. Remember students are to check teachers’ blogs, daily.

East Cobb Middle School is a Food Distribution location for families in need. From 11am to 1pm on Mondays parents may bring their children (children must be present) to pick up breakfast and lunch for the week. All will stay in the car and packages will be distributed to families in their vehicle. Stay tuned for info regarding distribution for Spring Break. Click on the link below for more information. https://web.cobbk12.org/eastcobb/_ci/post/59ca887f-af9e-4ed4-b9ea-1f923656b1f0

Digital learning will NOT occur during spring break, which is from April 6, 2020 through April 10, 2020.

All fieldtrips and school activities have been cancelled.

Be well….

As of Monday, 3/16/2020 all Cobb County Schools will be closed until further notice.

Regarding Digital and Remote Learning:
Students are expected to check teachers’ blogs each day. Blogs can be accessed through the ECMS website…just click on the teacher’s name.

Digital resources can be accessed with the use of SMART phones, tablets as well as personal computers.

See info below for Virtual Office Hours and expectation of length of assignments.

ECMS teachers’ also sent students home with all of their supplies. Students were provided with learning packets for those who indicated that they did not have access to the internet.

Also, see below for FREE INTERNET!!!
Here is the direct link to the offer. Comcast is offering free internet over the next two months for low-income families. https://www.internetessentials.com/.

The following school events are cancelled!
Math and Science Night
International Night

• Information on School Field Trips
  6th grade College Football Hall of Fame field trip, April 2nd is tentatively scheduled.
• Regarding the Disney Trip that is scheduled for later this month: There is a strong possibility that it will not happen. BUT, we are in communication with the travel agency regarding options (cancellation, rescheduling). The school is advocating on behalf of our parents for the greatest refund possible in case of cancellation. As it currently stands, we still cannot answer all questions regarding potential scenarios. Do know that the health and safety of students, parents, and staff is our first priority. Thank you for understanding and stay tuned for information as things continue to unfold in the next few days/weeks.

For up-to-date CCSD information, please use the link below.
www.Cobbk12.org/COVID/

Early Release: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 @ 1:30PM.

The “Color Battle Fundraiser” is a 2-week hassle-free fundraiser that ECMS students will participate in!  The fundraiser kicks off on March 10, 2020 and runs through March 20, 2020.

I’d like to remind students, parents and staff of the importance of practicing good hygiene and to stay home or keep children home if they have been running a fever or are exhibiting signs of illness.

The CDC and DPH have been very consistent in urging the following measures for all Georgians to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Parents, just a reminder regarding the use of cell phones at ECMS: If a student is in possession of a cellphone/device upon entering a classroom… Cellphones/Devices must be docked in the pocket docking station upon entering class. (STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO RETURN THE DEVICE TO THEIR LOCKER, IF THEY ARE IN POSSESSION OF IT UPON ENTERING CLASS, IT MUST BE DOCKED IN THE ASSIGNED DOCKING POCKET IN THE CLASSROOM). Cellphone/Devices should not be seen or heard in the classroom, cafe, hallway or at school unless it has been deemed appropriate for instructional use ONLY by the teacher, enacting BYOD; which will be communicated prior to or at the beginning of class. If a student’s phone is not docked in a pocket, which would indicate that the student is not in possession of a phone in the classroom. Students who violate the cell phone policy will receive consequences related to insubordination.

Parents, please refrain from bringing cupcakes or goodies for your child’s birthday or personal holiday celebrations at school; and understand that these deliveries will not be accepted.  The middle school learning environment is not conducive to class/cafeteria birthday parties or celebrations.

8th Grade Students:  Although, Foundation is paying for this trip for our 8th grade students, a $10 donation is requested if possible, to offset the cost. Mark the envelope with Foundation/Civil and Human Rights and place it in the box in the front office, NOT THE SAFE. 8th grade parents, we’d love it if you would serve as a chaperone for the Human and Civil Rights Museum on the day their student attends. Please contact Ms. Karen.Searles@cobbk12.org to sign-up.

Math/Science Night is Thursday, March 18, 2020 at 6PM –We encourage families to come and participate in fun, interactive, and innovative math and science activities. It is a family night and students must attend with parents. We look forward to seeing you! It’s a great event every year.

International Night is Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 6PM.  It too is a family night and students must attend with parents. We look forward to seeing you! It’s a great event every year.

6th Grade Students: 6th grade students will be going on a field trip on Thursday, April 2, 2020 to the College Football Hall of Fame. The cost is $20 and a signed permission slip. The permission slip was given to students by their homeroom teachers. Permission slip and money is due March 12, 2020!

Parents, you are welcome to take advantage of shout outs/special messages displayed on our digital marquee in the front of the school. See the PTSA’s website to sign-up for a special shout-out/message on the ECMS marquee.

Parents, just a reminder regarding the use of cell phones at ECMS: If a student is in possession of a cellphone/device upon entering a classroom… Cellphones/Devices must be docked in the pocket docking station upon entering class. (STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO RETURN THE DEVICE TO THEIR LOCKER, IF THEY ARE IN POSSESSION OF IT UPON ENTERING CLASS, IT MUST BE DOCKED IN THE ASSIGNED DOCKING POCKET IN THE CLASSROOM). Cellphone/Devices should not be seen or heard in the classroom, cafe, hallway or at school unless it has been deemed appropriate for instructional use ONLY by the teacher, enacting BYOD; which will be communicated prior to or at the beginning of class. If a student’s phone is not docked in a pocket, which would indicate that the student is not in possession of a phone in the classroom. Students who violate the cell phone policy will receive consequences related to insubordination.

8th Grade Students: Permission slips for the 8th grade Civil and Human Rights field trip were sent home last week and are due back by Friday, February 14, 2020. It is imperative that permission slips are returned by the due date. Students not returning permission slips with parent signature will not be permitted to attend the trip. Although, Foundation is paying for this trip for our 8th grade students, a $10 donation is requested if possible, to offset the cost. Mark the envelope with Foundation/Civil and Human Rights and place it in the box in the front office, NOT THE SAFE. 8th grade parents, we’d love it if you would serve as a chaperone for the Human and Civil Rights Museum on the day their student attends. Please contact Ms. Karen.Searles@cobbk12.org to sign-up.

Math/Science Night is Thursday, March 18, 2020 at 6PM –We encourage families to come and participate in fun, interactive, and innovative math and science activities. It is a family night and students must attend with parents. We look forward to seeing you! It’s a great event every year.

Q3 Progress Reports were made available online in StudentVue and ParentVue Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Envelopes with other pertinent information was also sent home. Please sign the envelope on the appropriate line indicating that you have viewed your child’s report card and the information inside of the envelope. Students are to return the signed envelope to their homeroom teacher by the close of next week. If you have not obtained your ParentVue code to view your child’s grades, progress reports, and report cards check with Student Services to get signed up.

Wildcat Nation Family Nights (Wheeler Cluster) No homework and No activities pass 6PM! We are hoping that families take the time to connect, engage in a fun activity, have dinner and relax with one another. Enjoy!
• March 2nd
• April 20th

6th Grade Students: 6th grade students will be going on a field trip on Thursday, April 2, 2020 to the College Football Hall of Fame. The cost is $20 and a signed permission slip. The permission slip was given to students by their homeroom teachers. Permission slip and money is due March 12, 2020!

Parents, you are welcome to take advantage of shout outs/special messages displayed on our digital marquee in the front of the school. See the PTSA’s website to sign-up for a special shout-out/message on the ECMS marquee.

Q3 Progress Reports were made available online in StudentVue and ParentVue Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Envelopes with other pertinent information was also sent home. Please sign the envelope on the appropriate line indicating that you have viewed your child’s report card and the information inside of the envelope. Students are to return the signed envelope to their homeroom teacher by the close of next week. If you have not obtained your ParentVue code to view your child’s grades, progress reports, and report cards check with Student Services to get signed up.

8th Grade Students: Permission slips for the 8th grade Civil and Human Rights field trip were sent home last week and are due back by Friday, February 14, 2020. It is imperative that permission slips are returned by the due date. Students not returning permission slips with parent signature will not be permitted to attend the trip. Although, Foundation is paying for this trip for our 8th grade students, a $10 donation is requested if possible to offset the cost. Mark the envelope with Foundation/Civil and Human Rights and place it in the box in the front office, NOT THE SAFE. 8th grade parents, we’d love it if you would serve as a chaperone for the Human and Civil Rights Museum on the day their student attends. Please contact Ms. Karen.Searles@cobbk12.org to sign-up.

6th Grade Students: 6th grade students will be going on a field trip on Thursday, April 2, 2020 to the College Football Hall of Fame. The cost is $20 and a signed permission slip. The permission slip was given to students by their homeroom teachers. Permission slip and money is due March 12, 2020!

Parents, you are welcome to take advantage of shout outs/special messages displayed on our digital marquee in the front of the school. See the PTSA’s website to sign-up for a special shout-out/message on the ECMS marquee.

Parents please refrain from allowing students to bring valuable items and electronic devices to school. When they do, it is at their own risk. We will not expend resources to police lost or stolen items. Please reiterate this message at home. It is in the best interest to leave expensive and valuable items at home.

Cell Phones: If a student is in possession of a cellphone/device upon entering a classroom… Cellphones/Devices must be docked in the pocket docking station upon entering class. (STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO RETURN THE DEVICE TO THEIR LOCKER, IF THEY ARE IN POSSESSION OF IT UPON ENTERING CLASS, IT MUST BE DOCKED IN THE ASSIGNED DOCKING POCKET IN THE CLASSROOM). Cellphone/Devices should not be seen or heard in the classroom, cafe, hallway or at school unless it has been deemed appropriate for instructional use ONLY by the teacher, enacting BYOD; which will be communicated prior to or at the beginning of class. If a student’s phone is not docked in a pocket, which would indicate that the student is not in possession of a phone in the classroom. Students who violate the cell phone policy will receive consequences related to insubordination.

Parents for morning drop-off, please remember that the curb (red) in front of the school is a fire lane and is for drop-offs only. Please do not park. Some parents have been parking and waiting; which hinders other students from being dropped off. If you are here early and wait to let your student out of the car, please park in the parking lot and then drive to the drop off lane to let your student out in front of the school. Students must be picked up and dropped off at the red-curb lane right in front of the school. Students are never to cross over the car-rider line to the parking lot or vice-versa.

Parents are reminded that when picking up or dropping off students in our car-rider line to be alert, exercise patience and caution and be KIND! Those drivers who are impatient, uninformed or apathetic pose a great threat to our children, staff, and themselves during this time.

No school! Winter Break – The Cobb County School District will be closed for Winter Break – February 17, 2020 – February 21, 2020. Students will report back to school on February 24, 2020!

Rising 6th Grade Parent Night is TONIGHT, Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 6PM in the East Cobb Middle School Theater. After an information session, there will be a tour of 6th grade!

Bring Your Parent/Guardian to School Day – This week!
East Cobb Middle School teachers and staff will host “Bring Your Parent/Guardian to School Day!” Parents, take advantage of the opportunity to shadow your child for half of their regular academic school day; traveling with your child from class-to-class and learning what they learning. You may shadow for the first half of the day (9:10AM until Lunch) or the second half from (Lunch until 4:10PM). Looking forward to seeing you here at East Cobb Middle School!
6th Grade – Wednesday, February 12, 2020
7th Grade – Thursday, February 13, 2020
8th Grade – Friday, February 14, 2020
Parents…
• Be mindful that classroom rules and procedures will be followed – please adhere to the ECMS cell phone policy
• No conferences will to be held, as the teachers are still teaching a normal school day
• Parents will not be able to stay for lunch as there is no room.
• Please leave your child’s Homeroom Teacher’s name in the comments section of your signup
Links for registrations can be found on our school’s website.
Feb. 12th – 6th Grade: https://bit.ly/2OlDdi0
Feb. 13th 7th Grade: https://bit.ly/397v8FB
Feb. 14th 8th Grade: https://bit.ly/2OnELsa

Join us for an upcoming Parent Workshop on February 12, 2020 with the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Arts Center an excellent part of the Cobb County Public Library System.
from 5:45PM to 6:45PM. Parents will learn about all of the wonderful opportunities and programs available to them. Our parents will also be introduced to Mango, which offers free and easy-to- comprehend computer-based language instruction in over 60 different languages. You can register in ParentVue? Don’t miss out! Walk-ins are welcome.

8th Grade Students: Wheeler High School Field Trip will be rescheduled! Stay tuned.

8th Grade Students: Permission slips for the 8th grade Civil and Human Rights field trip were sent home last week and are due back by Friday, February 14, 2020. It is imperative that permission slips are returned by the due date. Students not returning permission slips with parent signature will not be permitted to attend the trip. Although, Foundation is paying for this trip for our 8th grade students, a $10 donation is requested if possible to offset the cost. Mark the envelope with Foundation/Civil and Human Rights and place it in the box in the front office. 8th grade parents, we’d love it if you would serve as a chaperone for the Human and Civil Rights Museum on the day their student attends. Please contact Ms. Karen.Searles@cobbk12.org to sign-up.

Wheeler High School is hosting Rising 9th Grade Parent Night, Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 6:30PM.
We are collecting 8th grade baby photos for the yearbook. Information is on the ECMS website, Facebook, and scrolling announcements, we don’t want anyone to miss out!

6th Grade Students: 6th grade students will be going on a field trip on Thursday, April 2, 2020 to the College Football Hall of Fame. The cost is $20 and a signed permission slip. The permission slip was given to students by their homeroom teachers. Permission slip and money is due March 12, 2020!

Parents for morning drop-off, please remember that the curb (red) in front of the school is a fire lane and is for drop-offs only. Please do not park. Some parents have been parking and waiting; which hinders other students from being dropped off. If you are here early and wait to let your student out of the car, please park in the parking lot and then drive to the drop off lane to let your student out in front of the school. Students must be picked up and dropped off at the red-curb lane right in front of the school. Students are never to cross over the car-rider line to the parking lot or vice-versa.
Parents are reminded that when picking up or dropping off students in our car-rider line to be alert, exercise patience and caution and be KIND! Those drivers who are impatient, uninformed or apathetic pose a great threat to our children, staff, and themselves during this time.

We are excited to announce upcoming events that your child will be invited to attend this spring at East Cobb Middle School. To provide a safe and orderly environment at these events, we will be implementing a behavior expectations plan. All students recently participated in Team Talks. During these “Talks”, topics of discussion included but were not limited to academics, retention, attendance, behavior, and goals. Please click on the link below to obtain a copy of the detailed letter that your child was given on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.

6th Grade Expectations for Spring 2020

7th Grade Spring Behavior Expectations 2020

8th Grade Expectations for Spring 2020

Parents, you are welcome to take advantage of shout outs/special messages displayed on our digital marquee in the front of the school. See the PTSA’s website to sign-up for a special shout-out/message on the ECMS marquee.

8th Grade Students: Remember to bring in the permission slip to attend the Wheeler High School Field Trip. Students do not want to miss it. It’s a great opportunity to see what’s on the horizon as students will soon be 9th graders! Permission slips are due Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Please turn permission slips in as soon as possible. The field trip is Friday, February 7, 2020. We don’t want any of our 8th graders to miss out.

8th Grade Students: Permission slips for the 8th grade Civil and Human Rights field trip were sent home last week and are due back by Friday, February 14, 2020. It is imperative that permission slips are returned by the due date. Students not returning permission slips with parent signature will not be permitted to attend the trip. Although, Foundation is paying for this trip for our 8th grade students, a $10 donation is requested if possible to offset the cost. Mark the envelope with Foundation/Civil and Human Rights and place it in the box in the front office.

Wheeler High School is hosting Rising 9th Grade Parent Night, Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 6:30PM.

We are collecting 8th grade baby photos for the yearbook. Information is on the ECMS website, Facebook, and scrolling announcements, we don’t want anyone to miss out!

6th Grade Students: 6th grade students will be going on a field trip on Thursday, April 2, 2020 to the College Football Hall of Fame. The cost is $20 and a signed permission slip. The permission slip was given to students by their homeroom teachers. Permission slip and money is due March 12, 2020!

Spread the word that Rising 6th Grade Parent Night is Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 6PM in the East Cobb Middle School Theater. After an information session, there will be a tour of 6th grade!

Parents for morning drop-off, please remember that the curb (red) in front of the school is a fire lane and is for drop-offs only. Please do not park. Some parents have been parking and waiting; which hinders other students from being dropped off. If you are here early and wait to let your student out of the car, please park in the parking lot and then drive to the drop off lane to let your student out in front of the school. Students must be picked up and dropped off at the red-curb lane right in front of the school. Students are never to cross over the car-rider line to the parking lot or vice-versa.

Parents are reminded that when picking up or dropping off students in our car-rider line to be alert, exercise patience and caution and be KIND! Those drivers who are impatient, uninformed or apathetic pose a great threat to our children, staff, and themselves during this time.

8th Grade Students: Remember to bring in the permission slip to attend the Wheeler High School Field Trip. Students do not want to miss it. It’s a great opportunity to see what’s on the horizon as students will soon be 9th graders! Permission slips are due Tuesday, January 28, 2020.  Please turn permission slips in as soon as possible. The field trip is Friday, February 7, 2020. We don’t want any of our 8th graders to miss out.

Spread the word that Rising 6th Grade Parent Night is Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 6PM in the East Cobb Middle School Theater. After an information session, there will be a tour of 6^th grade!

Parents, you are welcome to take advantage of shout outs/special messages displayed on our digital marquee in the front of the school. See the PTSA’s website to sign-up for a special shout-out/message on the ECMS marquee.

We are collecting 8th grade baby photos for the yearbook.  Information is on the ECMS website, Facebook, and scrolling announcements, we don’t want anyone to miss out!

Dr. Terrance Roberts is one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who, in 1957, were the first black students ever to attend classes at Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a living legend and an integral part of the Civil Rights movement!  He will be here to speak to our 8^th grader students on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

From Nurse Jacobson: We continue to see an increase in sore throats, coughs, vomiting, flu-like symptoms and fevers. Parents please keep your children home from school when there has been vomiting, diarrhea and/or fever. Students need to remain at home until there has been no vomiting, diarrhea, or fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducers or medications to alleviate symptoms. These medications do not cure children, they improve symptoms while students continue to expose other students and staff to their illnesses.