• Letter from Lara Zelski
• Letter from Matt Underwood
• Letter from Merrick Farrar (Principal for the Day)

Elementary Campus News

• We need Field Day Volunteers!!!
• Order Elementary Yearbooks Online!!

Middle Campus News

• Maynard Jackson Orientation
• 8th Grade Celebration Party!!!

School-wide News

• Piggy Banks for Popsicles
• PTCA Dine-Out
• 2012-2013 PTCA Executive Committee and Thank You!
• SST Presentation

Community News

• Summer Social “Great Outdoors”

Upcoming Events

May 14, 2012 – PTCA Executive Committee Meeting 
May 15, 2012 – Governing Board Meeting
May 16, 2012 – Portfolio Share (K & 1st grade)
May 17, 2012 – Portfolio Share (2nd & 3rd Grades)
May 17 – May 22, 2012 – CRCT and CRCT M Retest
May 18, 2012 – Portfolio Share (4th & 5th grades)
May 18, 2012 – 5th Grade Celebration
May 18, 2012 – Walk/Bike to School
May 18, 2012 – Principal’s Coffee
May 19, 2012 – Saturday Night Live
May 21, 2012 – Field Day
May 21, 2012 – 8th Grade Graduation
May 22, 2012 – Last Day of School
May 22, 2012 – Dine-out at No Mas Cantina

See all upcoming events.

Each morning, since the ten-day countdown, at our school-wide morning meeting Mr. Goodloe announces how many days we have left in the school year. He even wears a t-shirt with the number spray-painted across the front and back. The children all clap and whoop and holler. This has become somewhat of tradition here at our school. It is such an exciting time of year, full of celebrations and merriment!

Along with this time of year also comes a bit of sadness for teachers, students and parents. No matter how happy you are that summer break is just right around the corner, there is a slight worry about the uncertainness of what comes next. One aspect of Conscious Discipline that we have really focused on this year is that the brain is pattern seeking. When routines and patterns are in place, anxiety and worry are reduced. We try to make transitions easier for our students by preparing them for what comes next. You can do this, as well.

As you are heading into the summer months, take some time to discuss your plans and schedules with your child. It is also helpful to set up some summer routines, which helps build structure for those who are more challenged with change and transitions. Attending a summer camp, even for just one week, is a great way to keep a routine in place. For more information and ideas, refer to Dr. Becky Bailey’s book Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline. This book is all about setting up structures in your home and providing for choices.

We are lucky to have Nicole Mercer, our Conscious Discipline consultant, coming again this year to offer a parent workshop. This will be on Saturday, July 28th at the elementary campus. We will be sending more information over the summer, but please save the date. Parents who attended last July reported that it was a very helpful workshop, so we hope to see you there.

Please take time to read Matt Underwood’s courier letter. He has shared information from the Tuesday evening board meeting that I am certain you will find both interesting and helpful.

Let’s have a safe and fun end of the year.

Lara

Download the PDF

Thank you to those of you who attended the community budget forum on May 2nd or the governing board meeting last night at the elementary campus. For those who were unable to attend either of those events, the FY13 budget presented for final review last night was featured in my report to the board that was been posted on the school’s website in the finance section. As has been discussed for the past month, the overall reduction in funding we project based on expected decline in local property taxes has necessitated some difficult budgetary decisions in order to keep the school financially healthy. The most visible outcome and impact of these decisions that will be seen next school year is no separate Spanish instruction for students at the elementary campus and an increase in the class sizes for arts and Spanish at the middle campus. The plans for addressing these changes is detailed more fully in my board report, so I encourage you to please read it if you have not already. It is my sincere hope that we can come out of this process making the most out of what is a tough situation for teachers, students, and families.

In addition to approving the FY13 budget last night, the board also had the opportunity to hear from me about the results from our annual survey of parents and guardians. The complete summary of survey responses from elementary and middle campus parents and guardians are included in the same board report linked above. What was most striking to me was that of the 228 parents who responded to the survey, over 91% of them answered “yes” to the question “Are you satisfied with the education your student is receiving at ANCS?” Such a high percentage of affirmative responses is a testament to the skillful work of our teachers. The K-8 leadership team and I identified some areas of need heading into next school year, including strengthening opportunities for academic challenge for students achieving at higher levels, consistency in carrying out the school’s discipline referral process across classrooms, and more education of parents about the school’s curriculum program through workshops and faculty blogs. We have already begun developing ideas and practices to address these areas, and you’ll hear more about those as we begin the next school year.

As we head into the summer each year, the middle campus selects a book that everyone at the campus–students, teachers, and parents–are asked to read over the summer to come back to school for some shared community discussion and activities about a common text. This year’s middle campus summer reading book was selected by our arts, Spanish, and Fit for Life teachers, and it is Casa Azul: An Encounter with Frida Kahlo by Laban Hill. The book is aimed at students in grades 6-8 and has received numerous awards for its magical take on what the childhood of the famed artist Frida Kahlo may have been like. More information about the middle campus summer reading book will come home in our summer mailing, but we encourage parents to read it too!

Finally, a reminder to all to please feel free to attend next Monday’s 8th grade celebration at 7:00 PM at Maynard Jackson High School. While 8th grade students and their families should plan on arriving at 6:30 PM, the whole ANCS community is invited to come and celebrate the accomplishments of these students as they prepare to move on to high school. As well, 8th grade parents and guardians are reminded about the party for 8th grade students being held on Tuesday, May 22 (see flyer). Please contact Christine Mann or Kim Knight for more details about this parent-organized gathering for students.

We will have one last Courier for 2011-12 next Wednesday, so until then, have a wonderful last week of the school year!

Sincerely,

Matt Underwood
Executive Director & Middle Campus Principal

The Annual Campaign fund drive started this week. And now, more than ever before, the campaign needs the support of every family. The Atlanta Public Schools will be sending ANCS less money per student next year. The drop comes on top of several years of decreased state and local funding.

Our schools have always spent more than APS allots – about $1,500 extra per student. That money, along with smart spending decisions, is how ANCS provides the advantages we all value: smaller class sizes than many schools, a fantastic faculty and a rich curriculum.

The money raised through the Annual Campaign covers a significant portion of the extra money spent on every student – including your child. We all know that ANCS is facing some tough decisions this year as a result of the decreased funding. A successful campaign can help the school avoid even more tough choices and make sure that we maintain the very special nature of our schools, which demonstrate a remarkable approach to public education every day.

So far this year, about 40 percent of families have donated to the Annual Campaign. During this week’s fund drive, we hope to reach 100 percent participation. The amount that you give isn’t as important as achieving higher levels of participation this year – at a time when the need is so great.

We’ll be spending the rest week reminding everyone how important their contributions are to our school. We’ll get the kids involved, too. No one is more passionate about ANCS than our kids. Here’s what to expect:

• Booths: They are set up at drop-off, after morning meeting, and at pick-up, for families to make pledges or leave checks.
• Morning meeting: Each day will feature a special presentation, including documentary footage of students sharing their thoughts and feelings about ANCS.
• The student challenge: Girls on the Run is asking the kids to bring in coins from their piggy banks and a few bills from their wallets to fill the Annual Campaign money jug. Each floor will have their own jug – the floor who raises the most money, will win a popsicle party!
• EAV Beer Fest Raffle: Be the 10th person to make a donation online and win 2 tickets to the East Atlanta Beer Fest on Saturday May, 19. An $80 value and priceless memories to last a life time! Check our Facebook Page for more info – we will announce the winner on Friday afternoon!

Please, do not let the public funding drought damage our mighty oak. With your support, we can make the Annual Campaign – and our schools – stronger than ever before. Visit one of our booths this week, or donate online now!

Thanks for your support!
Lucy Fry – Annual Campaign Chair

My name is Merrick Farrar and today I was Principal for the Day at the elementary campus. I started my day with opening car doors and leading morning meeting.

Right after morning meeting I went to the principal’s office and checked my emails.
That took a long time. Then I went to different classrooms to see what everyone was doing. I gave teachers some feedback and it was all good. I got to play with Ms. Wagner’s puppy for a while and then had lunch with my friends. After lunch I observed first grade in PE and even got to play with them. Now I am writing my courier letter. It has been a busy day! I had fun and wish I could be principal for the rest of the year.

Merrick

Ceremony is Monday night May 21

Graduation After Party if Tuesday night May 22
7 pm-10:30 pm

Endive Catering
1468 Mecasline Street NW
Atlanta, GA

DJ: Ian Green

Coming soon: We will send an email to all 8th grade paretns about a “parent meet up” near the event where we can celebrate with food and good cheer!

Download the PDF

Position Description – revised 5/14/12

The position of Lead Teacher (grades 6-8) at the Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School (ANCS) involves the following primary responsibilities:

• Commitment to learning and implementing the school’s curriculum utilizing constructivist learning theory
• Implement and support instruction and assessment practices for a diverse group of students that reflect the common principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools
• Establish a strong working partnership with Associate Teachers and effectively utilize this relationship to develop an exceptional learning environment for students
• Engage in continuous professional development and shared learning with other professional staff
• Work collaboratively with a diverse group of school colleagues, parents, community members and others to support and implement the goals of the school
• Participate fully in faculty and school related meetings
• Work flexible hours as needed
• Demonstrate sound classroom management skills and embrace differentiated instructional approaches to learning
• Utilize sound budgeting in determining classroom and grade level team expenses
• Other duties as assigned

Reports to:
Directly to Content Team Leader

Education:
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required; Completion of a teacher preparation program and/or degree in education or related field and/or Georgia teacher certification preferred

Experience:
The experience and qualifications preferred for this position include:

• Experience working with middle school-aged students
• Knowledge of integrated and experiential learning 
• Ability to collaborate well with other teachers
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with diverse groups of students, teachers, and families
• Familiarity with the common principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools

Calendar:
191-day employee

Salary:
Commensurate with education and experience

Interested and qualified applicants should submit a completed application, letter of interest, and resume to the contact listed after the specific position:

Lead Teacher (grades 6-8) in Humanities, Math/Science/Technology, Spanish, Visual/Performing Arts, and/or Physical/Health Education - please submit materials via email to Matt Underwood, Middle Campus Principal