Panther Press

October 13, 2026

Hello Panther Families!

At New Prospect, we teach much more than reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. We also help students develop the social, behavioral, and problem-solving skills they need to be successful at school, at home, and in our community.

Through our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program, we celebrate positive choices with PAWS Points (like our Builder Bunch Field Trip we had on Friday...picture above) while also teaching students how to learn from mistakes. One tool we use is a Reflection Form. When a student makes a minor behavioral mistake, they may be asked to complete a Reflection Form to think about what happened, who was affected, and what they can do differently next time. Reflection is not meant to be punitive. It is an opportunity for students to take responsibility, build self-awareness, and learn appropriate behaviors. When a Reflection Form is completed, the staff member involved will contact the parent or guardian so that home and school can work together to support the child. You can see a picture of the Reflection Form below.

Our discipline system includes both recognition and accountability. For minor offenses such as disrespect, excessive talking, defiance, work incompletion, or disruptions, teachers follow a structured discipline cycle that includes reminders, reteaching, reflection opportunities, parent communication, and behavior supports. The goal is always to teach and correct behavior rather than simply punish it. Major offenses such as fighting, bullying, threats, stealing, or destruction of property result in an immediate office referral in accordance with the Fulton County Schools Code of Conduct.

We also ask families to assume goodwill from our teachers and support staff. When a teacher or staff member contacts you about a concern, it is because they care about your child and want to partner with you to help them be successful. These conversations are most productive when we approach them with trust, respect, and a shared focus on what is best for the child. We all have the same goal: helping every student learn, grow, and thrive.

If you have any questions about this, please let me know. Thanks for being our partner in your child's education!

Amy Lemons
Principal, New Prospect Elementary School

Upcoming Events:

October 13th-16th-College Week

Saturday October 17th-Boo! Bash at Wills Park 3:00-7:00pm

Spirit Night at Gladiator's Game 7:00pm *New Prospect Chorus Sings at Event!

Friday October 23rd- 2nd Grade Musical 8am

Taste of New Prospect 5:30-7:00

October 26th-30th Red Ribbon Week

Dress Up Days :
Monday-PJ Day

Tuesday-Jersey or Sports Shirt Day

Wednesday-Twin Day

Thursday-Superhero Day

Friday-Book Character Dress Up Day

October 29th-Skelebration at Innovation Academy 5:30-7:30pm

Tuesday November 3rd-Election Day-No School for Students

Chipotle Spirt Night- 4:00-8:00 (see below)

Friday November 6th-House Day! Wear House Colors

Saturday November 7th-Hands on New Prospect 9:00am

Tuesday November 10th- New Prospect Chorus Sings at AHS Basketball Game 7:30pm

SAVE THE DATES (ticket info is to come)

Tuesday November 17th-Thanksgiving Feasts- 2nd 11:00 & 3rd 12:00.

Wednesday November 18th-Thanksgiving Feasts- 1st 11:20 & 4th 12:10

Thursday November 19th- Thanksgiving Feasts- PreK & Kindergarten 10:30 & 5th- 11:30

Monday November 23rd-Friday November 27th-Thanksgiving Break-No School

2025-2026 New Prospect Calendar

Click Here

We’re excited to invite all families to our annual event, Taste of New Prospect, on Friday, October 23rd, from 5:30-7:00 PM. This is a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that make our school community so special! Taste of New Prospect is a wonderful opportunity to share your family's heritage through food, music, art, clothing, or traditions.

If you’d like to participate and showcase your culture, please sign up by September 28th using the flyer that was sent home in your child’s Thursday folder (also button below).

Volunteer for Taste of NPE

Click Here

Red Ribbon Week at New Prospect

October is Red Ribbon Month during which our school will be promoting drug awareness and prevention with our students. The national theme for 2026 is "Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free." This superhero-inspired message encourages students and communities to recognize that healthy, drug-free choices empower them to become everyday heroes. The Red Ribbon Campaign® is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week®, October 23rd - October 31st each year. It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. Students will learn about making healthy choices throughout the week and celebrate daily themes with dress up days . Please take this opportunity to open or continue age-appropriate dialogue with your children around drugs. If you have questions or would like resources, please contact Christina McLeod @ mcleodcr@fultonschools.org .

Would you like to help students learn more about careers? We are looking for volunteers that are able to come in and share information about their jobs with students on Friday, December 4th from 8-9:30am, spending about 15 minutes each with 4 different classes. Feel free to bring in hands-on materials, show videos & other visual aids to help students understand what it is that you do and why you chose the career. Last year our students enjoyed learning about web design, dentistry, engineering, publishing, public safety, real estate, business, legal services, food production, etc. We are looking for at least one volunteer from each homeroom class. Please contact Christina McLeod if you interested or would like more information: mcleodcr@fultonschools.org

“95% to Thrive” Attendance Priorities at New Prospect Elementary

Our attendance focus this school year is “95% to Thrive!” We want our Panthers to be present for 95% of the school year. Excellent attendance ensures the best delivery of excellent instruction.

We understand that some absences are unavoidable. If your Panther is absent from school, please email your child’s teacher and npfrontdesk@fultonschools.org to notify the proper staff.

Did you know that students can request up to 5 Remote Participation Learning Days per semester and receive attendance credit by completing academic work remotely? Parents can submit their request for approval prior to a planned absence by emailing Principal Lemons at lemonsa@fultonschools.org prior to an expected absence.

Your involvement as parents and guardians is an essential factor in creating a positive and engaging school environment. Together, we can foster an atmosphere where students are excited to come to school, engage in learning, and build a foundation for a successful future.

In addition, FCS attendance policy information can be found at FCS Attendance Matters Website or by contacting our school social worker, Patrick Hartigan, MSW at hartigan@fultonschools.org

Free & Reduced-Price Meal Application

Did you know free & reduced-price meal applications benefit your family and your school? Families may qualify for free or reduced-price school breakfast & lunch. A NEW application must be completed for the 2026-2027 school year.

If you have not completed a Free and Reduced application for SY26-27, had a change in income or had an increase in household size, please take this opportunity to complete an application. Free & Reduced Meal Applications are available online at www.myschoolapps.com. Families may obtain a paper application from any school cafeteria. If able, families are encouraged to complete an online application to help expedite the application approval process.

If you are concerned about your school's current standing or would like additional support, please contact Saadia Adams (AdamsS11@fultonschools.org) to set up recurring status notifications and receive strategies for increasing your school's percentage of approved applications.

COSA (Change of School Assignment) Window Opens Next Week

The COSA window to apply for 2027-2028 transfers will be open from October 20-December 18.

· The application window will be posted on the FCS COSA website on 10/8/26. Next week, you will receive marketing materials for COSA.

· Families will be notified of COSA acceptance/denial on January 29, 2027.

· Students accepted to COSA are able to stay in the school through the school’s terminal year (5th, 8th, 12th).

· Families must complete a new application when transitioning to middle or high school.

· Employees eligible for enrollment in the district-provided healthcare or state benefit plan may apply to send their child(ren) to an FCS school. Space considerations will govern decisions on these applications, and students are subject to probation and revocation of placement based on the criteria for all COSA students. COSA applications for employees wishing to enroll their child at their worksite or the feeder school serving their worksite will not be subject to space requirements or the probation and revocation process. Accepted students will follow the same expectations of students who reside within the attendance zone. Enrollment is contingent upon continued employment in the district.

· Students applying to a Magnet program must have a COSA approval to attend the school for the program.

· Any family wanting to apply to a school without an attendance zone (Innovation Academy, Global Impact Academy, Promise Career Institute, North Springs ACH Program, FAVE, Charter Schools) is NOT required to complete the COSA application.

If a student fails to meet the expectations listed below, it will result in an enrollment review, which may lead to probation or withdrawal from the school and a revocation of the transfer acceptance.

o Transportation provided by the parent/guardian or student and arrive and be picked up on time

o Present 91% of enrolled days

o Pass all core content classes

o Comply with the behavior expectations outlined in the FCS Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook

· Schools Ineligible for COSA

o Part of the redistricting/consolidation/closing planning

o At a 95%+ stated capacity over a three-year projection.

o **Employees can apply for their child to go to their worksite or a feeder school even if the school is not on the COSA list

· COSA applications will not be accepted after the window closes.

For more information, please contact Lauren Malekebu at malekebu@fultonschools.org.