April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.  It is a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social and emotional well being of children and families.  Monroe County Schools employees joined others who work to prevent child abuse in our county to recognize the occasion.   Each pinwheel placed represents a child abused in Monroe County. 

Students are not permitted to use, or bring into the testing environment, any electronic device that could allow them to access, retain, or transmit information (e.g., cell phone, smartphone, PDA, electronic recording, camera, or playback device, etc.). Possession or improper use of such devices during testing may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the system's student code of conduct and/or test invalidation. Devices such as those mentioned above that are brought into the testing environment must not remain in the student's possession during testing.

Testing time is approaching, and we look forward to partnering with our families during this time of the year.  Parents, you can help your child by making sure your student gets to school on time after having a healthy breakfast.  Remember, we also serve breakfast in all of our cafeterias as well.  It's important that your child be at school every day, and testing time is no different.  We need your student here and ready to test each day.    Adequate rest does make a difference!  Make sure your child has a consistent bedtime routine with healthy sleep habits encouraged.  Reschedule appointments and make sure your student comes comfortably dressed each day in compliance with dress codes.
Have conversations about the test with your student.  Make sure to discuss the tests openly and in a positive way with your student. Encourage your child to give his or her best, but don't pressure.  Reassure by telling your child you are proud when they give their best effort.
If your child experiences test-taking anxiety, remind them these are normal feelings.  Help them to remember to take deep breaths and think positive thoughts about the process. Have realistic expectations about your child's performance.  Emphasize the test is only one measure of academic performance, and you love your child regardless of the results. 
Go over some test-taking tips with your student.  Remind them to follow all written and verbal directions carefully.  They are to read each question carefully.  They should identify key words.  Georgia Milestones may have more than one correct answer on some questions, and this is new this year, so attention to detail will be important for your student.  It's important the student reads each question very carefully without getting stuck on a single question.  Cell phones are not allowed in the testing area during Georgia Milestones End of Grade and End of Course tests. 

The Georgia Milestones Tests are coming in April/May.  Students in grades 3-8 will take the End of Grade tests.  The practice site at http://www.gaexperienceonline.com/ gives students the experience of the test. There are practice questions do not represent grade specific level questions, but the site is designed to acclimate students and parents to the upcoming test.

Monroe County Schools have been building an online collection of ebooks and audiobooks for four years.  All of these resources are available to your student year round.  Audiobooks and ebooks can be downloaded to a phone, tablet, laptop, or computer.  The site is https://monroecsdga.libraryreserve.com.   You can find the link to Overdrive on the system website or any school website.  Students use their same username and password credentials that are used to access the computers at school.   eBooks may be downloaded to a device anytime, anywhere.  Users can also download the Overdrive app through the Google Play or Apple iTunes store.  Did your student forget to bring home a book for nightly reading?   No worries -- just download an ebook or listen to an audiobook through a browser on any internet capable device.  Overdrive is offering special titles for checkout this summer.  Media specialists are available to assist parents and students with Overdrive.

Mary Persons High gym is the location for this fundraising event.  For more information, contact Holli Shipman at [email protected].

Girls Track Team is Region Champion!  Boys Track Team is runner-up.  Next up will be Sectional Track Meet (Cross Creek HS - Augusta, GA) on Saturday April 29th.  The state track meet will be at Berry College in Rome on  May 11, 12, and 13.

The Mary Persons Cheerleading Program is selling three t shirts and a tank top  for the annual t-shirt sale! You can order these from any MP Cheerleader. Tank Tops are ONLY available in Adult XS - Adult 4XL. Tank costs are AXS - AXL - $15, A2XL - $17 A3XL - $18 and A4XL - $19. 

The KB Sutton Elementary Art Club spent months constructing a beautiful mosaic canvas.  The mosaic is now on display at Central Office.

Monroe County Schools released the 2017-2018 school supply lists, and these are available at http://www.monroe.k12.ga.us for your reference.  The elementary list applies to all three elementary schools.  The middle school list is below. Each teacher provides a syllabus at high school which includes supply needs.  For a PDF of the elementary school list, click here.   For a PDF of the middle school list, click here.