Summerour Blue Devil Blast

Volume 6, Issue 8 - September 18, 2026
Dr. Looney's Message
Important Dates
Upcoming Dates
- September 21 - ESL for Parents
- September 21 - Science Olympiad
- September 23 - ESL for Parents
- September 23 - Civics for US Citizenship
- September 24 - GCPS Board of Education Meeting
- September 25 - Café con Leche
- September 25 - Progress Reports Go Home
- September 26 - JLC Raider Competition (@Grace Snell)
- September 28 - ESL for Parents
- September 30 - ESL for Parents
- September 30 - Civics for US Citizenship
- October 1 - National Principal's Month Begins
- October 1 - Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly (at school)
- October 5 - Interim Test - English/Language Arts
- October 6 - Interim Test - Mathematics
- October 7 - Interim Test - Science
- October 8 - Interim Test - Social Studies
- October 8 - Literacy & Hispanic Heritage Night
- October 10 - JLC Raider Competition (@Bay Creek MS)
This Week
Café con Leche
Friday, September 25
9:30 - 10:15 AM
Blue Bucks Cafe
An opportunity for families to share concerns, ask questions, and engage with the principal in a welcoming and supportive setting. We look forward to seeing you there!
For information, call the Parent Center at 770-582-7545.
PBIS Family Night
We had a fabulous PBIS Family Night Event last night. With a returning student panel that talked to parent about changes from Middle School to High School, parents were encouraged.
Thanks to all faculty, staff, and former students who made this event happen. Thanks, too, to all parents who attended and heard our presentation and met our community partners!
Free/Reduced Lunch Applications Due
Have you completed the lunch application yet? If not, please submit it as soon as possible to ensure your child receives any eligible meal benefits without interruption. Applying online is the quickest option.
http://gwinnett.schoollunchapp.com/
If you need help, our school staff is here for you. Please visit the office for assistance.
Summerour Specific
NorX XC
Our girls came in 2nd place at the Gwinnett County Championship meet in Conyers last weekend. They run again tomorrow in Danielsville, Georgia.
Results from Conyers
Girls:
Luz Perez 3rd overall
Elizabeth Gomez 9th overall
Betsy Najarro 14th overall
Jocelyn Martinez 17th overall
Edith Manzanares 20th overall
Boys:
Didier Lopez 9th overall
Emiliano Hernandez 11th overall
Fun at First Environmental Club Meeting
We had a lot of fun at the first Environmental Club for this year. Seventeen students ready for an exciting year exploring the outdoors. Do you spot someone you know?
Intramurals This Week
Don't forget the permission form before you bring them the first time.
Grade Level Information
Welcome to 6th Grade!
Ms. Belinda Terry
6th Grade Assistant Principal
Ms. Tannia Sims
6th Grade Counselor
770.417.2491
Welcome to 7th Grade!
Mr. Al Sadler
7th Grade Assistant Principal
Ms. Yasmi Velasquez Rocha
7th Grade Counselor
Yasmi.VelasquezRocha@gcpsk12.org
770.417.2480
This Week in 7th Grade
Language Arts:
Science:
Individuals & Societies:
Welcome to 8th Grade!
Ms. Christy Gray
8th Grade Assistant Principal
Ms. Robin Blackwell
8th Grade Counselor
770.417.2487
Science:
This week in science, we continued our Waves Unit by learning about the two main types of waves: mechanical waves and electromagnetic (EM) waves. Students explored how these waves are different and how they transfer energy. We also participated in a stations lab, where students investigated real-world examples and characteristics of both types of waves through hands-on activities. The stations helped students deepen their understanding of wave behavior while practicing observation and critical thinking skills. It was a fun and interactive week of learning!
ELA:
8th Grade ELA is starting Unit 2: What is the Horror Genre? Students will practice skills like analyzing the use of argumentative and expository techniques, word choice and poetic devices and the intended effect on an audience, as well as narrative devices and how they create suspense and tension.
Individuals & Societies:
This week Individuals and Societies continued learning about the Judicial Branch- Learning about the steps of the Criminal Justice System and how the Juvenile Justice System works. Students also learned about Local Governments, the different types, their purposes, and how they are funded. Students will be tested on this information on Tuesday 9/22. After this, students will be starting an IB project on the law-making process.
Jigsaw Activity in 8th Grade Science
8th grade students in Ms. Lillard's class doing a jigsaw activity for their Science class.
Types of Wave Phenomena
Students in McNaughton’s 8th grade Science classes worked in groups to learn about the four different type of wave phenomena (or wave behaviors).
Welcome to Gear Up!
Dr. Toni Weir
Gear Up Assistant Principal
Ms. Allegra Morgan
Gear Up Counselor
770.797.2960
Gear Up to Mercedes Benz Stadium
Gear Up headed out of the building to get the inside look at Mercedes Benz stadium yesterday. It looks like they had a great time.
Art
Art worked on mini-artworks for Norcross' Free Little Art Galleries that will appear throughout the city in October.
Spanish
7th grade Spanish 3 students learned about ecotourism in Costa Rica this week
Coming Soon
Free Eye Exams & Prescription Glasses
September 26 - December 29
Gwinnett County Government is partnering with Vision To Learn to deliver free eye exams and prescription glasses to children in underserved communities, ensuring they receive essential eye care.
- For children ages 5 to 18
- Available at multiple locations in Gwinnett
- Appointments required
Book your appointment today!
Norcross Youth Basketball Tryouts
Where: Norcross High School
Who: all students in the Peachtree Corners and Norcross - boys & girls, grades 5, 6, & 7
When: Monday, October 5; Thursday, October 8; Sunday, October 11
Norcross High School Football Remaining Games
If you will be attending a GCPS sporting event, please remember: middle school students will not be permitted to attend athletic events at Norcross High School (or anywhere within GCPS) without the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
2026-2027 School Year
PTA Fundraiser is still running
(until November 8)
September IB Learner Profile: Inquirers
IB Learners are inquirers. They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
University faculties regularly note IB students’ passion for discovery.