The Weekly Update #4

Dear High Point Families,

I hope your summer has been filled with opportunities to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories with family and friends. As we prepare to begin another exciting school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to both our returning families and those joining the High Point community for the very first time.

At High Point Elementary, we remain committed to our mission of cultivating knowledgeable, compassionate, and inquisitive learners who positively impact their community and achieve academic excellence. Grounded in the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, we believe every scholar has the potential to thrive when provided with high-quality instruction, meaningful learning experiences, and a strong support system.

As I reflect on the 2025–2026 school year, I am incredibly proud of what our school community accomplished together. Through the collective efforts of our scholars, staff, families, and community partners, High Point achieved the highest level of academic success in our school's history.

Some of our accomplishments include:

Earning a CCRPI score of 91.9, the highest score in High Point history.
Being recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as a 2025 Georgia Math Leader School.
Receiving the prestigious 2025 Georgia Beating the Odds School designation.

These accomplishments are not simply awards or numbers. They represent thousands of moments of perseverance, collaboration, and dedication. They reflect teachers and staff members who worked tirelessly to meet the needs of every learner, families who partnered with us throughout the year, and scholars who embraced challenges and believed in their ability to grow.

While we celebrate these achievements, we remain focused on continuous improvement. During the 2026–2027 school year, we will continue strengthening instruction, fostering student ownership of learning, and ensuring every scholar receives the support and enrichment needed to reach their highest potential.

One area where our community has truly excelled is attendance. Because of our collective commitment, High Point reduced chronic absenteeism from 14.8% in 2023 to just 5.5% in 2026. This remarkable improvement demonstrates what is possible when we work together to ensure scholars are present and engaged each day.

As we begin the new school year, we ask for your continued partnership in making attendance a priority. Every day matters, and every day provides valuable opportunities for learning, growth, and connection.

School Hours

Building opens for students: 7:10 AM
Morning announcements begin: 7:30 AM
Scholars are considered tardy if they are not seated in their classroom by 7:40 AM. We understand that occasional circumstances may arise; however, consistent tardiness results in missed instructional time and can negatively impact academic achievement. We appreciate your partnership in helping ensure every scholar starts each day ready to learn!
- After 15 tardies, families will be required to provide updated proof of residency.
- After 20 tardies, a monthly referral will be made to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in an effort to strengthen the partnership between home and school and ensure scholars arrive at school on time and ready to learn.

Student dismissal begins at 2:20 PM

Attendance Celebrations

At High Point, we believe that every day of learning matters! To encourage strong attendance habits, scholars who achieve perfect attendance and have no tardies during the month will be recognized with a special lunchtime treat.

We understand that some absences occur due to circumstances beyond a family's control, including emergencies, illness, or religious observances. However, to ensure that this incentive remains fair and consistent for all scholars, the perfect attendance recognition will be reserved for students who are present every day and have no tardies during the designated month.

We appreciate your partnership in helping our scholars develop the habits that lead to academic success. Every day you're here, you grow!

Student Leadership Portfolios

This year, all scholars in grades K–5 will maintain a Leadership Portfolio. Throughout the school year, students will set academic and behavioral goals, track their progress, reflect on their growth, and collect examples of their learning.

Leadership Portfolios are designed to help students take ownership of their learning, celebrate successes, and identify areas for continued growth.

In the spring, families will be invited to attend Student-Led Conferences. During these conferences, scholars will take the lead in showcasing their Leadership Portfolios, sharing their goals, discussing their progress, highlighting accomplishments, and reflecting on their learning journey. This meaningful experience empowers students to develop leadership, communication, and self-reflection skills while strengthening the partnership between home and school.

Together, we are helping every scholar become a confident leader of their own learning.

Independent Reading

I am excited to share the progress being made on our Media Center renovations! When completed, this transformed learning space will include a dedicated Makerspace, a Podcast/Green Room, and three additional small-group learning rooms designed to support collaboration, creativity, and personalized instruction.

While these exciting additions will enhance learning opportunities for our scholars, we remain committed to one of the most powerful predictors of academic success: reading. During the 2026–2027 school year, we will continue to promote 20 minutes of independent reading each day for all scholars in grades K–5 to support literacy growth and achievement.

Thanks to the generous support of our PTO, we are also excited to introduce the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program this year. Accelerated Reader is a motivational reading program that encourages scholars to read independently while helping teachers and families monitor reading progress. After reading books at their individual reading levels, students will have opportunities to take comprehension quizzes, set personalized goals, and earn recognition for their reading accomplishments. Our goal is to foster a lifelong love of reading while ensuring scholars continue to strengthen their comprehension and literacy skills.

We look forward to sharing more information about Accelerated Reader and celebrating our scholars' reading achievements throughout the year!

Communication

At High Point, communication remains a priority. We will continue utilizing ClassDojo as our primary communication platform between home and school. Through ClassDojo, families can receive important updates, communicate directly with teachers, and access translated messages in multiple languages.

Our school newsletter will continue to be distributed electronically the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month and will include:

Principal Updates
Assistant Principal Updates
School news and reminders
PTO information
Important dates and events
Family engagement opportunities

Additionally, families are encouraged to ensure they have access to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, which provides real-time access to attendance, grades, schedules, and important student information. If you have not registered to gain access to the Campus Parent Portal, please visit this link for directions: https://www.fultonschools.org/infinitecampus

As we prepare to welcome approximately 650 scholars back to High Point, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the year ahead. Thank you for your trust, partnership, and unwavering support. Together, we will continue #ElevatingExcellence and ensuring every scholar grows, achieves, and thrives.

On July 29th, each family will receive an email with the grade level class lists. DO NOT look on Infinite Campus to see your child's teacher assignment before class lists are emailed out. Homeroom assignments are not finalized in Infinite Campus due to ongoing enrollments and withdrawals. Please know our teachers and staff worked diligently to create diverse classes which meet each child’s academic and social needs. We appreciate everyone’s input that helped us create a solid partnership which benefits ALL our students.

Open House is a great opportunity for students and parents to meet our teachers and get all the necessary information for the school year. High Point’s Open House will be held on Friday, July 31st, from 9-11:30 AM. Doors will close promptly at 11:30 AM.

During Open House you will be able to:

1) Meet your child’s teacher
2) Receive back to school information

3) Fill out forms for each homeroom class

4) Join PTO for $15 per family and discover ways to be involved at High Point

5) Complete the Volunteer Registration/Application process http://www.fultonschools.org/en/divisions/sup/comm/Pages/partnersvolunteers.aspx

6) Register for afterschool enrichment activities (Champions Afterschool, Dance, Chess, Art's, Karate, etc.)

7) Enroll in meal-pay or complete meal applications – (new forms must be completed each year)

8) Obtain your child’s bus or carpool number and tag

9) Purchase HPES Spirit Wear – payable using cash/check/credit card

10) Obtain information on our Parent Resources

At Open House, you will receive a High Point Activities Calendar which lists all the important events and school days for the year. Some important beginning of the year dates to note are:

August 3rd– First Day of School
August 14th- Back to School Bash
September 9th- Curriculum Night (parents only please)

Your support is essential to High Point’s success! Thank you in advance for your willingness to be involved in your child’s education, at home and at school.

Classroom Supply List: High Point Elementary Supply Lists 2026-2027.docx

We are excited to welcome the following new teachers who will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goals and supporting our current work. These professionals come to us with expertise, integrity, compassion, and a desire to make a difference. Please join me in welcoming:

Ms. Megan Meneely- Assistant Principal
Ms. Toni Griffin- 3rd Grade Teacher
Ms. Christina McCathery-.5 Early Intervention Teacher
Ms. Diana Stuart-Instructional Paraprofessional
Ms. Erica Green-Instructional Paraprofessional

Although we’ve had minimal turnover among our staff, we’ve had movement within our building that we're excited to share.

Ms. Cribbs- 1st Grade Teacher
Ms. Perkins- 2nd Grade Teacher
Ms. McKoy- AU Support
Ms. Churchwell-AU Support
Ms. Black- 5th Grade
Ms. Alston-ESOL Teacher
Ms. Owens-EIP Teacher
Ms. Wiggins-AU Paraprofessional
Ms. Thomas-AU Paraprofessional

I look forward to seeing everyone soon and beginning another incredible year together.

Warmly,

Dr. Danielle Miller
Principal, High Point Elementary School
#ElevatingExcellence

Ms. Megan Meneely-Assistant Principal

A dedicated and accomplished educational leader, Megan Meneely brings 19 years of experience in elementary education, curriculum support, and instructional coaching to the students and staff in Fulton County Schools. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Language Arts and Humanities from Indiana University, a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia, and a Specialist in Education with a major in Educational Leadership from The University of West Georgia. Megan began her career at Hillside Elementary School where she taught kindergarten through second grade and fourth grade and led multiple teams. Her most recent position has been as the Curriculum Support Teacher at Dunwoody Springs Elementary School, where she has led curriculum and instructional work since 2014.

Megan believes deeply in collective responsibility, compassion, and equity, and that is evidenced through her work with students, teachers, and parents. Utilizing student data and best practices is at the heart of her work so that students come first and have every capability to become productive citizens. Passionate about creating supportive learning environments where all students can thrive, she is committed to helping schools grow through strong collaboration, a clear understanding of processes and procedures, and a focus on continuous improvement for all. She loves spending time with friends and family, taking care of her two dogs, reading, and traveling. She is thrilled to join and serve the High Point Elementary community.

Ms. Toni Griffin-3rd Grade Teacher

My name is Mrs. Toni Griffin. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Alabama State University, a Master of Science in Reading Specialist from Mercer University, and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Thomas University. Throughout my career, I have served as an elementary teacher, lead teacher, virtual educator, literacy tutor, and nonprofit leader, all with one goal: helping every child discover their potential and develop a lifelong love of learning.

My philosophy of education is rooted in the belief that children should do more than simply memorize information—they should experience learning. I believe the classroom should be a place where curiosity is celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and students are empowered to ask questions, solve problems, and make meaningful connections to the world around them. Every child brings unique strengths, interests, and perspectives, and I strive to create an environment where those qualities are recognized and nurtured.

I have a special passion for literacy and believe that reading opens doors to confidence, opportunity, and lifelong success. I enjoy learning, gardening, and exploring nature.

I am honored to be a part of the High Point family and look forward to partnering with you to help our scholars grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I can’t wait for an amazing school year filled with discovery, joy, and success!

Ms. Christina McCarthey- .5 Early Intervention Teacher

Hi families! My name is Christina McCarthy. This is my first year at High Point and my 14th year teaching in Fulton County. Most recently I taught Early Intervention at both Creek View Elementary and Birmingham Falls Elementary. I have ten years of kindergarten and second grade classroom experience prior to Early intervention.

I’m originally from Alpharetta. I graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2012, where I met my husband, Mike. We now live in Roswell with our two daughters—Savannah (6) and Caroline (4). As a part-time teacher, I’m grateful to spend my afternoons with my daughters! Outside of school, I enjoy reading, kayaking, and cooking. I am looking for a wonderful year joining the High Point community!

Ms. Diana Stuart-Paraprofessional

I am so excited to join the High Point team ! I have dedicated my career to supporting the growth and development of children in both school and childcare settings.

My experience began as a paraprofessional at Lake Windward Elementary, where I worked with students with special needs, providing individualized support to help them succeed academically and socially.

I later opened a successful in-home childcare program for 15 years, caring for the children of teachers from Lake Windward Elementary as well as my two youngest daughters. This experience allowed me to build lasting relationships with families and support children through many important stages of their development. I remain in contact with many of those families today, which reflects the trust and meaningful connections we built over the years.

Most recently, I returned to the classroom as a special education paraprofessional at Mimosa Elementary, providing individualized academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students with diverse learning needs.

My teaching philosophy is centered on putting students first and always making decisions based on what is best for each child. I believe every student deserves a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing environment where they feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Fun Fact: Her daughter, Ms. Newton, and grandson are already part of our school community!

Ms. Erica Green- Paraprofessional

My name is Erica Green. I’m excited to join the High Point Elementary School

community for the 2026-2027 school year! I have three years of experience in the Jefferson City School System, where I worked with a variety of students in the general and special education settings. Throughout my career, I’ve supported students with a wide range of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. I’m passionate about creating a classroom environment where every student feels seen, supported, and capable of success.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Composition from the University of Georgia and am currently completing my Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education. In addition, I hold GACE certifications in Middle Grades Language Arts and Early Childhood Education.

Outside of the classroom, I am a mom of three, I enjoy reading, writing, and spending quality time with my children, our three corgis, and the newest addition to the household, a ball python named Sir William Snakespeare.

I look forward to partnering with the students, families, and educators of High Point Elementary to create a strong foundation for academic and personal growth and make this a wonderful school year!

Dear Parents and Families,

On behalf of the High Point Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, we are so excited about the 2026-27 school year! We continue to stand behind our tagline “Serve. Support. Build.” because we believe in serving our school, supporting our community, and building our legacy. We have several wonderful community events planned throughout the year. We hope you will mark your calendar and join us for our first event, the Back to School Bash on Friday, August 14th!

The 2025-26 school year was a tremendous success. Through the involvement and generosity of our members and partners, we were able to provide critical resources and valuable opportunities above those which can be covered by public funding. Amazingly, the PTO is projected to invest over $110,000 in our school during the 2026-27 school year. Without your support, these investments would not be possible.

Our investments for this coming school year include:

-Over $78,000 in academic enrichment funds including instructional materials, classroom supplies, academic software/programs, IB funding, collaborative workspaces, field trip funding, teacher/club grants and more!

-Over $17,000 in maintaining and improving our facilities and grounds including maintaining and updating our campus grounds above and beyond the basic services provided by FCS.

-Over $15,000 in recognition and appreciation for our valuable teachers and staff.

The majority of our funding comes from families like YOU during our four main fundraisers: our annual Membership Drive, our “Gifts from the Heart” Teacher Experience Auction in October, our Parent Party & Silent Auction, and our signature school-wide Fun Run fundraiser in the spring. We truly appreciate your support and all that it provides for our school!

In addition to financial support, HPE PTO members volunteer their time to serve our school in the classroom, at recess, at staff appreciation events, on the grounds, and in many other areas. We hope that you will consider getting involved! Learn more about PTO volunteer roles here. Additional opportunities are made available throughout the year on Class Dojo.

We truly hope that you will consider joining the HPE PTO when our membership drive kicks off on August 1st! We would love to have you as a part of our team!

Many Thanks,

Nicole Hudson and Lauren Wattenmaker

HPE PTO President & Vice President

Helpful Links: PTO Website / PTO Facebook Page / PTO Instagram Page / PTO Volunteer Link

The Weekly Update #4