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Archives 2007-2008
Archives from 2006 -2007
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Dear Parents,
What a wonderful Spring Fling. A BIG thanks to all who helped. It was awesome and so well organized! The best I’ve ever attended. I even did fine with the pie toss!
CRCT testing is this week and next. The staff has done an outstanding job preparing your child. Just make sure he/she is here on time and has had a good night sleep and breakfast.
I wanted to take this time to share with you our Local School Requests for SLOST 3 (Special Purchase Local Option Sales Tax):
All of these items are subject to district prioritization and available funds. This summer we are having the driveway and parking lots repaved as a part of SPLOST 2.
I hope you are having a great spring. Enjoy! If you have any questions or concerns my door is open.
Sincerely, Peggy J. Pepper Princi “pal”
Dear Parents,
I want to congratulate Mrs. Soto’s Class for being nominated as the Class Act for 11-Alive News. It was very exciting for the students to be on camera and then on 11-Alive News! Way to go Ms. Soto!
I also want to clarify any misinformation that you may have received regarding recess. I feel recess is extremely important. Last year as some of you may be aware, I purchased a storage shed for the lower field to house play equipment for outside recess as well as physical education instruction. As a school we have a sign up sheet for outside recess to coordinate outside time so all classes are not out at the same time for safety reasons. All teachers have signed up. Recess has also been addressed at a staff meeting and all teachers have been encouraged to have recess daily. I do understand there may be exceptions due to weather and special scheduling. Along the same lines tag/flag football will not be allowed due to safety concerns: lack of equipment, appropriate training, tag/flag football becoming tackle football, as well as injuries. We do encourage participation in the Cobb or Acworth County’s Department of Recreation football program. RECESS DOES COUNT!
If you have any questions or concerns my door is always open.
Sincerely, Peggy Pepper Princi “pal”
Dear Parents,
I want to take this time to thank you for a super Conference Week. Below are the results and comments made on the Conference Evaluation forms:
Results of Parent Conference Survey January, 2008
Adjectives to describe Ford Elementary School · Progressive · Effective · Quality education* · Excellent* · Caring/dedicated* · Exceptional* · Awesome* · Challenging* · Great academics · Joyful · Innovative · Professional* · Fantastic* · Warm · Arrogant · Middle of the road · Open · Informative · Well-organized · Superior* · Engaging · Dynamic · Proactive · Incredible · Improving · Accessible · Over achieving · Child friendly* · Productive · Very conscientious · Passing
*multiple comments Optional comments
· Appreciate teachers keeping parents informed. · Very caring teachers and love their teaching styles. · Very fortunate to have our children placed with two loving teachers. · Pleased with the education that our children are receiving at Ford. · Teachers are so good. · Conferences need to be held in the fall not in the winter. · We are very pleased with the challenges provided to our child in AR, and reading buddies. · My child’s experience has been outstanding. · Conference was a positive experience. · We need to fight to get the computer lab back and each classroom needs more computers. · Appreciate the EIP Program – very positive and doesn’t make the children feel “behind”. · Target children need to be challenged more in the regular classroom. · Great understanding of how my child is doing. · Love the teaching styles of the teachers and how they relate to the children. · Wish for more educational links on the teacher’s blog. · A wonderful learning environment for my children. · The 5th grade teachers are very challenging and are doing a great job setting the students up for their middle school success. · We are so happy with this year’s progress. · Teachers have been very patient and supportive in helping my son achieve a positive attitude in class. · I would like to see a buddy system in place for students in the cottages. I do not think that it is safe for one child to be alone outside of the school. · A great learning environment that is provided to all children. · It is a pleasure to be at Ford. · Excellent 1st experience with elementary school. Thank you. · My child love school. · I wish that my child could go further in math. · School is somewhat disappointing and middle of the road. · We need much more differentiation for math – extremely disappointed – lack of challenges in this area. · The only problem that we have encountered this year: Most parents do not have time to do the first grade essay’s (too much parent interaction). · Ford needs to continue to strive to be the best, as every school does, but also needs to remember that it is a school among many great schools within a great school district. We need to encourage acceptance and collaboration, not superiority. · Concerns that target days are used as review days instead of teaching new curriculum. · Add computer lab back into rotations – students need to be challenged. · Next year, a police officer should be looked into to help the flow of traffic, like at Hayes Elementary. · I am so impressed with everyone here, thank you for making this a positive new experience. · 6 years at Ford and couldn’t be more pleased. · Teachers are organized and have high expectations for their children. We are pleased with our child’s results.
Thank you for all of your support.
Sincerely,
Peggy J. Pepper Princi “pal”
FUNDING FORD’S FUTURE
Dear Parents, Partners in Education, and Community Leaders,
It is with great excitement that I announce the revitalization of the Ford Elementary School Foundation. The Ford Foundation was established in 2005. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities that otherwise would not be a part of our instructional program. These additional educational opportunities can only be funded through Foundation efforts and not through the Cobb County Board of Education or our PTSA. The Foundation could serve as a source of funding for programs such as a foreign language teacher, technology specialist, etc. The focus of the funding will be based upon a stakeholder survey. The survey will be made available online after January 10, 2008. Please check our Ford website to participate in this very important survey. The Ford Foundation operates under the umbrella of the Cobb Schools Foundation.
We will need your assistance in enhancing the educational program here at Ford. We will be working together to raise funds to provide programs that are of high priority based on your input from the online survey. All monies raised will go directly to the Ford Foundation to benefit the students at Ford Elementary School. More information will be coming after the instructional focus and the specific fund raising initiatives are determined.
The Ford Foundation Board met in November. The Board of Trustees includes: Cheryl Musial; President Rhonda Newton; Secretary Mary Kalafut; Treasurer Bruce Tucker; Foundation Member Mitch Dorsett; Foundation Member Catherine Padgett; Foundation Member Peggy Pepper; Principal
We hope that each of you will offer any ideas you may have as the Foundation continues to grow. We also look forward to any assistance that you may be able to provide. Through a collaborative effort with the Ford Foundation, we can provide enhanced programs to support student achievement here at Ford.
Sincerely,
Peggy Pepper Principal
Dear Parents,
As we approach this holiday season it is a great time to reflect on all that we have and all for which we are thankful. This has been a very special year here at Ford. I am thankful for the wonderful students, parents, PTSA, Partners in Education, community and staff. Our achievement has been recognized with the Silver Achievement Award from the Governor’s Office. As a result of SPLOST we have had an increase in number of computers in our building through the “refresh” program. Teachers have been able to increase the integration of technology into the instructional program as a result of this “refresh”. I am thankful for our Writing Lab. We sent over one thousand letters overseas to our soldiers who protect our freedom. I am thankful for our caring students who initiated and contributed greatly to our food drives. Ford is such a special place to work.
As we begin the New Year I am thankful for the revitalization of the Ford Foundation. More information as well as a survey will be coming in January. We will need your input and support. It will be a great vehicle to provide enhanced educational opportunities to our students that could not be provided or funded through the Cobb County School System or our PTSA.
On a personal note I am thankful for two new grandchildren born this year. The total is now seven! Each one is so special. I am thankful for a great husband who has survived so much this year. He is amazing!
On behalf of the faculty and staff I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.
Sincerely, Peggy J. Pepper Princi “pal”
October 25, 2007
Dear Parents,
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our students. Ford Elementary School has been recognized as a winner in the 2007 Single Statewide Accountability System awards. The hard work of the students, faculty, parents and community earned Ford a silver award for outstanding student achievement. 96% of our students met or exceeded standards as measured by the state assessments. Great job!
On October 24th Donna Lowery from 11-Alive News came to Ford and did a story on the letters our students wrote to the soldiers overseas. We are sending over 1100 letters to those who are serving our country and thanking them for protecting our freedom. You may view the video that was shown on channel 11 on the 11-Alive website: 11alive.com. Click on the video. It was an exciting day for our students.
We have a student here at Ford, James McLaughlin, who has Mitochondrial Disease (Mito). Mitochondrail diseases result from failures of the mitochondria, specialized compartments present in every cell of the body except red blood cells. When they fail, less and less energy is generated. Please find attached a flier on Mito for more information. Mrs. McLaughlin would like for parents to be aware of this disease and help find a cure.
Hope you are having a great fall.
Sincerely,
Peggy Pepper Principal
posted 9/24/2007
Dear Parents,
Thank you for participating in our Open House evenings. We had a great turn out. We hope this evening was informational and beneficial. We encourage you to participate and volunteer in whatever way you can. Remember to sign in and receive your Million Dollar Bill. If you work outside of the home and volunteer at home you too can stop by the office and get a Million Dollar Bill!
If you would like to be more involved in the operations of the school please fill out a nomination form for School Council. Nominations will be closed on September 28th. Elections will take place the next week. . Additional information is on the school web site.
This month we salute our Partner in Education, Day’s Chevrolet. Day’s Chevrolet has a referral program. If anyone from Ford purchases a new or used car from Day’s Chevrolet and mentions Ford Elementary $50.00 will go directly to the instructional program at Ford. The school who is in Partnership with Day’s Chevrolet with the most referrals at the end of the year will receive $1,000.00. We also want to thank Day’s Chevrolet for contributing a truck to use during our Movie Evening in the Garden on Oct. 5th. Thanks Day’s Chevrolet.
Just a reminder of how important you are to the education of your child. YOU ARE THE ESSENTIAL PIECE.
Sincerely, Peggy pepper
Dear Parents,
What a wonderful start to the new school year.
Each month we will feature one of our wonderful Partners In Education. This month we have featured Northwest Bank and Trust. A special Banking Days program sponsored by this wonderful Partner In Education will begin on Tuesday, September 4th. Representatives from the bank visit Ford on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Participating students can bring their deposits to the school bank located in the main hall from 7:15-7:50 a. m. Prizes are given for every deposit made! A hand written receipt goes home with your child, and the actual receipt is mailed later that day. Withdrawals must be made from the branch located at 3891 Cobb Pkwy in Acworth. Northwest Bank and Trust is committed to help teach each child from and early age the value of saving money. If you have any questions please call Lisa Mccollum at 678- 741-2138. We salute Northwest Bank and Trust!
Our Million dollar Store and volunteer program will continue this year. When you volunteer please stop by the office and receive a “Million dollar” bill! Take time to get involved.
If you have any questions or concerns my door is open!
Sincerely, Peggy J. Pepper Principal Dear Parents, A BIG welcome back to a wonderful new school year! I hope you and your family had a fun, restful and educational (I had to put that in!) summer! I want to take this time to remind you of how critical you are to the success of your child. Our staff “theme” this year is YOU ARE THE ESSENTIAL PIECE. A poem written by Karen Hegeman captures this theme. I would add to it parents and community members. Essential Piece Schools are like jigsaw puzzles. Each edge piece of a puzzle interlocks with two others to form the puzzle's framework and give structure and support to the puzzle as a whole. Each piece has a unique design and cut that ensure just the right place to fit within the puzzle. Each morning, staff members form the edge pieces that interlock to create a safe environment and give support to each other and the whole. Each morning, they provide just the "right place" for each of the students to fit safely and securely. The staff members are strength and stability, and like the edge pieces, they do not stand alone in this responsibility. There are always others to support and assist, ensuring that each and every student has a place. –Karen Hegeman Together we can provide the support each student needs. Together we will contribute to increased student achievement. I encourage you to volunteer and be a part of this wonderful “puzzle” we call Ford Elementary School. Sincerely, Peggy J. Pepper Dear Parents, It was so good to see so many Kindergarten parents here today for our special Kindergarten Story Book Parade. Looking at these very special little ones really helps to reset our priorities in life! It was a great parade! Thank you for your support on Curriculum Night. It was a great evening beginning with a spaghetti dinner that supported our Relay for Life committee’s efforts to raise funds for cancer research. Over $1500.00 was raised that evening! Our Sock Hop was also a big success! Soon we will begin to look at placement of our students for the 2007-2008 school year. Placement is determined by review of data, student’s strengths and weaknesses, teaching style of teacher, classroom model and teacher input. We also honor parent input. We do not honor specific teacher requests. As professionals we will determine the placement of your child. If you are compelled to write a letter you may state your child’s strengths and weaknesses and the type of teacher your child learns from best. If there is a specific teacher named, the letter will need to be re-written. However, we do honor requests to separate students if there has been a problem in the neighborhood or if a teacher is your neighbor or friend and you do not want your child in that classroom due to personal conflicts or relationships. Placement is a lengthy, involved process, but the dedicated, strong teaching professionals that we have at Ford will place your child very carefully. If you have any questions or concerns my door is always open. Sincerely,
Peggy J. Pepper Princi"pal"
Dear Parents,
On February 8th we will have Curriculum Night here at Ford. Thanks to those of you who purchased a spaghetti dinner in support of the American Cancer Society. During the evening you will be able to visit several areas of the school and participate in instructional activities. Dr. Linda Clark, Principal at Durham Middle School, will also be here to meet with you and to answer any questions. If the top parking lots are full you may also park in the lower lot behind the school.
A new vocabulary challenge will be on line for February. The students have really enjoyed the challenge. All of the words support the Georgia Performance Standards.
Please remember if you volunteer in any capacity whether at home or here at school please come by the office for your Million Dollar bill! We have some great books and items that can be purchased with the bills or with AR points or a combination. Students love to shop!
The year is really flying by. I am blessed to be here at Ford and just love this community! It is hard to believe we just “celebrated” the 100th Day of School!
If you have any questions or concerns my door is open.
Sincerely,
Peggy J. Pepper Principal
Dear
Parents, People
make New Year’s Resolutions on nearly every subject imaginable.
Few resolutions could be more worthwhile, however, than
resolving to set aside some time each day to share reading with your
children. You
might start by setting aside 15 minutes a day to read to your child.
Bedtime is often a perfect time for story reading, but other
times can work just as well. If
your child is able to read independently, you can encourage reading
by setting aside a regular time when the family drops other
activities and reads together. You
could take turns reading aloud to each other, or you could each read
different books. The
important thing is to set an example and let your child know that
you think reading is important. A
New Year’s resolution to share reading with your child may not
only help the youngster develop literacy skills, but can bring a lot
of happiness as well. I
am enjoying seeing many students each week in the Million dollar
Store. They are so proud
of the AR points that they have earned. We
all look forward to 2007 being a year of peace, health, happiness,
and lots of reading! May
you and your family have such a year! Sincerely, Peggy Pepper
Dear Parents,
I want to thank you for volunteering at Ford. The students are really enjoying “shopping” in our Million Dollar Store with their Ford Million Dollar Bucks. If you have not volunteered please make this a priority as we begin the New Year. Then your child too can shop! More information on the Million Dollar Store is on the web.
As the holiday season approaches remember the best gift you can give is the gift of time and being involved with your child.
A Parent’s Gift
P-articipate in school activities.A-dmire and love your child.R-ead with your child. E-ncourage hobbies and interests.N-ote your child’s progress with verbal praise and a pat on the back. T –alk about school, interests, friends and family. S-upport your child.
On behalf of the staff we hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday. What a joy to see this time of the year through the eyes of our grandchildren and I know you experience the same delights through the eyes of your children.
Sincerely, Peggy Pepper Principal
Dear Parents,
As we approach the holiday season I would like to share with you the many things for which I am thankful.
I am thankful for the 1,033 students who enter our door each day greeting me with smiles and hugs.
I am thankful for the caring, professional, supportive, and dedicated Ford staff.
I am thankful for our Partners in Education and businesses: Barnes and Noble ( West Cobb), Beef O’Brady, Cobb Playhouse and Studio, Countrywide Home Loans, Days Chevrolet, Dickson’s TaekwonDo Plus, Ferguson Family Chiropractic, Hal Wilson., DDS, Heritage of Brookstone, Kid Chess, Kroger, NorthWest Bank and Trust, Northwest YMCA, Omega Leaning Center, Publix #566, Shamrock Designs, and Spanish Class for Kids
I am thankful for our PTA that continues to enrich the lives and education of students at Ford.
I am thankful to live in America.
I am thankful for my family, my husband, our five grandchildren and the two more that are on the way!
I am thankful to be the principal of Ford Elementary.
I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. This is truly the time to reflect and A TIME TO BE THANKFUL.
Sincerely,
Peggy J. Pepper Princi”pal” Dear Parents, Soon our school will be holding parent-teacher conferences. Conferences will take place the week of October 16th. Students will have early dismissal at 12:10 during this week. In order to make your conference an informative one, we would like to suggest that you take time to write down questions you would like to ask the teacher as well as some things you might want to share. You may want to ask the teacher: Does my child participate in classroom activities? What academic data do you have?
Does my child pay attention? Does he/she show self-control? Does my child seem happy in school? Does my child enjoy reading in his/her spare time? You may want to share the following: What does your child like the most about school? What are the responsibilities your child handles at home? What are some of your child’s favorite activities outside of school? What are your child’s strengths and weaknesses? Share if anything has happened lately at home that might affect your child’s school performance.Sharing information about your child with his/her teacher will enable us to provide a learning program that will best meet the needs of your child. Have a great conference. If you have any questions my door is always open. Thank you for all of your support. Ford is a great place where "Living is Learning Every Day." Sincerely, Peggy Pepper Princi"pal"
Dear Parents, Students and Members of Our Fabulous Community,
WELCOME TO FORD! IT IS GOING TO BE A TERRIFIC SCHOOL YEAR! I hope you had a wonderful summer vacation. I am so excited to be back in my community and the joy will be getting to know the students.
As we begin our school year I want to share with you our academic goals. In order to attain our goals, we will continue to utilize the strengths and talents of all members of the Ford family. This will help create a learning environment with high expectations for all of our students.
As part of our School Improvement Plan for 2006-2007 we will focus on two academic goals. At all levels we want our students to improve math skills in the areas of computation and problem solving. We want students to apply daily math skills to real world problem solving activities. Students will complete weekly timed tests to meet grade level expectations.
Our second goal focus is on writing. There is a strong connection between reading and writing. Our goal is for our students to demonstrate proficiency in writing. Students will continue to improve, extend and refine writing skills through content writing assignments. We want our students to utilize the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Our students should be able to engage in spontaneous, intrinsically motivated writing (i.e. journal, letter writing, etc.). We ask for your support in this goal as well. Encourage your child to write in a journal, write thank you notes, letters to relatives, etc.
By working together we will attain our goals. Through an environment of high expectations at home and at school, our students will achieve and support our school motto: “Living is learning everyday!”
I am excited to be a “Ford Mustang.” If you have any questions my door is always open.
Sincerely, Peggy Pepper Princi “pal”
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