From the desk of Zinta Perkins…
Vol. 1, Number 5

All newly hired staff will have emails soon. Work orders have been placed to get emails transferred or added to our system.

New hires will have blogs, which should be online by the first of next week.

All teachers have been asked to assess their delivery of instruction as it conforms to the county pacing guide. Subject area teachers will collaborate and develop plans to assure that lessons are within the appropriate pacing timelines.

Parents and students will soon receive information regarding extended learning time for students. Extended learning will include extra help sessions as well as small group or individual tutoring.

From the desk of Zinta Perkins…
Vol. 1, Number 4

The plans for Lovinggood Middle School are coming together. The planning committee has held three meetings where we have discussed (1) student enrollment, (2) essential skills that students must have, (3) non-negotiables for an effective school, and (4) other operational needs. We thank all parents who responded to our survey. Your responses will be used to create the essential skills for Lovinggood students. This planning work provides a framework for us as we begin to consider our School Improvement Plan (SIP). Our mission, vision and beliefs will be the focus of the SIP, and we want all stakeholders involved in the development of these plans.

In selecting the non-negotiables, staff members considered the needs of the middle school child, the environmental conditions that are conducive for learning, and the research-based correlates of effective schools. The key elements of the non-negotiables center on (1) a positive school climate, (2) student-focused instruction and (3) communication. When we look at the essential skills, we asked the question: What skills should Lovinggood 8th graders have when moving to high school? What skills are needed for success in high school and beyond? After defining the essential skills, which will include state standards, stakeholder standards and an aligned curriculum, we will create a system that will ensure student success.

My personal vision is:
    •  To create an environment where students and teachers strive academically,
      emotionally and socially,
    •  To foster a climate of excellence where every individual works to achieve their
      personal best every day, and
    •  To develop an organizational structure where collaboration is the norm
      and life long learning is operative.

From the desk of Zinta Perkins...
Vol. 1, Number 3

Parental involvement is critical to the success of any school. Research states that when parents are actively involved, student achievement increases. Student success depends on the efforts of the students, teachers and parents. Your first opportunity to work with us will be on Monday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. when we have our charter PTSA induction. This is a special event for Hillgrove High School and Lovinggood Middle School.

At Lovinggood, there will be many opportunities for parents to support the school. Volunteers will be needed to assist with daily operations and special activities. On a regular basis, we will need greeters, front office assistance, and help in the production/copy room. We will also need help as we prepare for the opening of the school year. If you are able to volunteer, please call the office (678.331.3015) and leave your name and number.

When school begins, please read all communications. Remind your child to always share school information, and check their bookbags regularly. Our website will be an excellent tool for you, providing valuable information regarding our instructional program and operations.

Lovinggood is now ready for occupancy. Only a few punch list items remain for the contractor. Keys were turned over to the administration during the last week of April. Office furniture has arrived, and we anticipate the arrival of classroom furniture towards the end of May. When communications, computer services and other technologies are operable, the office will relocate from Dowell Elementary to Lovinggood. The projected time is the first or second week of June.

Finally, Mr. Salter (AP) and I are in the process of visiting schools. A short presentation is made to students followed by a question and answer session. Students are very excited about the opening of school. They are quite interested in the academic program and extracurricular activities. (We have certainly received some interesting suggestions for the mascot.) A small number of students, who are randomly selected, spend additional time with Mr. Salter and me after the presentation. Of course, the students enjoy the treats (ice cream or pizza) more than the conversation.

From the desk of Zinta Perkins...
Vol. 1, Number 2

In keeping with the middle school concept, Lovinggood will have interdisciplinary teams in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. The core curriculum will include reading, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Reading may be taught as a separate subject or integrated in the content areas. Advanced learning (gifted) courses will be offered to students who qualify in selected core curriculum subjects. Foreign language classes will be offered to qualifying 8th grade students. Students may select Spanish or French. However, the final foreign language class(es) offered will greatly depend on the number of student requests. For students with special learning needs, small group and inclusion classes will be determined based on the Individual Education Plan of the students.

Lovinggood will provide students an opportunity to take the following year long performing arts classes: band, orchestra and chorus. Students currently enrolled in these courses will be transferred into the respective class once at Lovinggood. Sixth grade students will make a decision regarding the performing arts program at the beginning of the school year. Other connections offerings may include, but are not limited to, art, business, physical education, health, music and technology. All students will be challenged to achieve high academic standards in all classes taught at Lovinggood.

A variety of extracurricular activities will be offered. Students will be able to enrich their school experiences by participating in clubs, assemblies, field days, field trips and festivals. Stay tuned to learn more about the opportunities that await the students of Lovinggood Middle School.